Proline-Rich Protein-Like PRPL1 Controls Elongation of Root Hairs in Arabidopsis Thaliana

The study identified a gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, named AtPRPL1, which is similar to other genes known to be involved in root hair growth. AtPRPL1 is one of four proline-rich cell wall protein genes in A. thaliana that contribute to cell wall structure. The gene's expression is high in specific root cells and is reduced when root hair formation is disrupted. Both knock-out and overexpression of AtPRPL1 affected root hair and hypocotyl development, although no changes in cell wall composition were detected through FT-IR analysis. AtPRPL1 was observed in vesicles moving over the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting its role in cell elongation, but the exact mechanism remains unknown.