Advances in Plant Auxin Biology

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 14720

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing 210008, China
Interests: auxins; gene expression; molecular cloning; gene regulation; transcription factors; protein–protein interaction
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Guest Editor
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
Interests: auxin biosynthesis; plant endomembrane system; protein biochemistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Auxin is an important plant hormone that regulates plant growth and development in several ways, such as through cell differentiation, division, elongation, polarization and stress response. The biosynthesis, conjugation, degradation, transport and signaling of auxin in the regulation of plant growth and development and in response to environmental stress has been a hot topic of research in botany. This Special Issue will focus on, but is not limited to, the following topics:

1) The identification and functional validation of key genes for auxin biosynthesis, conjugation, degradation, transport and signaling in different species;
2) Transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation and protein modification of key genes for auxin biosynthesis, conjugation, degradation, transport and signaling;
3) The interaction of different small molecules and other plant hormones with auxins;
4) The mechanisms by which different environmental stresses (biotic and abiotic) regulate auxin homeostasis, especially local auxin homeostasis;
5) Possible new inhibitors of auxin biosynthesis, conjugation, degradation, transport and signaling pathways, or studies on the mechanisms of known auxin inhibitors.

Dr. Dong-Wei Di
Dr. Verena Kriechbaumer
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • auxin biosynthesis
  • auxin conjugation
  • auxin degradation
  • auxin transport
  • auxin signaling
  • auxin inhibitors
  • response to environmental stress
  • hormone interaction

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 10990 KiB  
Article
Allelic Expression Dynamics of Regulatory Factors During Embryogenic Callus Induction in ABB Banana (Musa spp. cv. Bengal, ABB Group)
by Xiaobing Zhao, Yiting Zhuang, Wangyang Xie, Yixin Yang, Jingyu Pu, Zhengyang Fan, Yukun Chen, Yuling Lin and Zhongxiong Lai
Plants 2025, 14(5), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050761 - 1 Mar 2025
Viewed by 553
Abstract
The regulatory mechanisms underlying embryogenic callus (EC) formation in polyploid bananas remain unexplored, posing challenges for genetic transformation and biotechnological applications. Here, we conducted transcriptome sequencing on cultured explants, non-embryogenic callus, EC, and browning callus in the ABB cultivar ‘MJ’ (Musa spp. [...] Read more.
The regulatory mechanisms underlying embryogenic callus (EC) formation in polyploid bananas remain unexplored, posing challenges for genetic transformation and biotechnological applications. Here, we conducted transcriptome sequencing on cultured explants, non-embryogenic callus, EC, and browning callus in the ABB cultivar ‘MJ’ (Musa spp. cv. Bengal). Our analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed significant enrichment in plant hormones, MAPK, and zeatin biosynthesis pathways. Notably, most genes in the MJ variety exhibited balanced expression of the A and B alleles, but A-specific allele expression was dominant in the key signaling pathways, whereas B-specific allele expression was very rare during EC induction. In the auxin signaling pathway, six A-specific MJARF genes were markedly downregulated, underscoring their critical roles in the negative regulation of callus formation. Additionally, six A-specific MJEIN3 alleles were found to play negative regulatory roles in ethylene signaling during EC development. We also identified phenylpropanoids responsible for enzymatic browning. Furthermore, the expression patterns of transcription factors in bananas exhibited specific expression modes, highlighting the unique mechanisms of callus formation. This study enhanced our understanding of the regulatory roles of these alleles in EC induction and offers new insights into the utilization of alleles to improve the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis in bananas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Auxin Biology)
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18 pages, 594 KiB  
Article
Impact of External Sources of Indole Acetic Acid and 2,3,5-Triiodobenzoic Acid on Alkaloid Production and Their Relationships with Primary Metabolism and Antioxidant Activity in Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer
by Bruna Cavinatti Martin, Ivan De-la-Cruz-Chacón, Carolina Ovile Mimi, Carmen Silvia Fernandes Boaro, Felipe Girotto Campos, Inara Regiane Moreira-Coneglian and Gisela Ferreira
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2637; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182637 - 21 Sep 2024
Viewed by 827
Abstract
Annona emarginata is a native Brazilian species capable of producing at least ten alkaloids of ecological, agronomic, and pharmacological importance. Some studies have explored the effect of external phytoregulators on the production of alkaloids, including the effect of auxins, which, like alkaloids, derive [...] Read more.
Annona emarginata is a native Brazilian species capable of producing at least ten alkaloids of ecological, agronomic, and pharmacological importance. Some studies have explored the effect of external phytoregulators on the production of alkaloids, including the effect of auxins, which, like alkaloids, derive from the shikimic acid pathway. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate how indole acetic acid (IAA) and its inhibitor 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) impact the production of alkaloids and the primary metabolism of A. emarginata, which brings advances in the understanding of the mechanisms of alkaloid synthesis and can aid in the bioprospection of molecules of interest in Annonaceae. The design was completely randomized, with three treatments (control, IAA [10−6 M] and TIBA [10−6 M]) and five collection times (12, 36, 84, 156, and 324 h). The following variables were analyzed: total alkaloids, alkaloid profile, nitrate reductase activity, gas exchange in photosynthesis, chlorophyll a fluorescence, sugars, starch, and antioxidant activity. Of the twelve alkaloids analyzed, discretine and xylopine were not detected in the control plants; however, both were detected when IAA was applied (in roots and leaves) and xylopine (in roots) when the inhibitor was applied. The alkaloid asimilobine was not detected with the use of TIBA. Variations in alkaloid concentrations occurred in a punctual manner, without significant variations in photosynthesis and nitrate reductase activity, but with variations in the antioxidant system and sugar concentrations, mainly at 156 h, when the highest alkaloid concentrations were observed with the use of TIBA. It could be concluded that IAA is capable of selectively modulating the production of alkaloids in A. emarginata, either due to an external source or by the application of its inhibitor (TIBA). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Auxin Biology)
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20 pages, 6004 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Auxin Transport Inhibition on the Formation of Various Leaf and Vein Patterns
by Carol L. Wenzel, David M. Holloway and Jim Mattsson
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2566; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182566 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1042
Abstract
Polar auxin transport (PAT) is a known component controlling leaf complexity and venation patterns in some model plant species. Evidence indicates that PAT generates auxin converge points (CPs) that in turn lead to local leaf formation and internally into major vein formation. However, [...] Read more.
Polar auxin transport (PAT) is a known component controlling leaf complexity and venation patterns in some model plant species. Evidence indicates that PAT generates auxin converge points (CPs) that in turn lead to local leaf formation and internally into major vein formation. However, the role of PAT in more diverse leaf arrangements and vein patterns is largely unknown. We used the pharmacological inhibition of PAT in developing pinnate tomato, trifoliate clover, palmate lupin, and bipinnate carrot leaves and observed dosage-dependent reduction to simple leaves in these eudicots. Leaf venation patterns changed from craspedodromous (clover, carrot), semi-craspedodromous (tomato), and brochidodromous (lupin) to more parallel patterning with PAT inhibition. The visualization of auxin responses in transgenic tomato plants showed that discrete and separate CPs in control plants were replaced by diffuse convergence areas near the margin. These effects indicate that PAT plays a universal role in the formation of different leaf and vein patterns in eudicot species via a mechanism that depends on the generation as well as the separation of auxin CPs. Computer simulations indicate that variations in PAT can alter the number of CPs, corresponding leaf lobe formation, and the position of major leaf veins along the leaf margin in support of experimental results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Auxin Biology)
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14 pages, 3721 KiB  
Article
All-Year High IAA and ABA Contents in Rhizome Buds May Contribute to Natural Four-Season Shooting in Woody Bamboo Cephalostachyum pingbianense
by Wei Mao, Changyan Bao, Qian Cheng, Ning Liang, Lianchun Wang and Hanqi Yang
Plants 2024, 13(3), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030410 - 30 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1411
Abstract
To explore the regulation mechanism of endogenous phytohormones on rhizome bud germination in Cephalostachyum pingbianense, the contents of IAA, ABA, GA, and CTK in seven above- and under-ground bamboo structure components were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The results showed that [...] Read more.
To explore the regulation mechanism of endogenous phytohormones on rhizome bud germination in Cephalostachyum pingbianense, the contents of IAA, ABA, GA, and CTK in seven above- and under-ground bamboo structure components were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The results showed that a higher content of IAA, GA, and CTK all year was found in above-ground components and dormant rhizome buds. Meanwhile, a higher ABA content in young shoots and a lower ABA content in the culm base and dormant rhizome buds were detected during the peak period of shooting. The amounts of emerging shoots and the grown bamboo culms were positively correlated with the content of IAA and the ratio of IAA/ABA and (IAA + CTK + GA)/ABA, while they were negatively correlated with the ratio of CTK/IAA in dormant rhizome buds. The all-year high contents of IAA (19–31 ng/g) and ABA (114–144 ng/g) in rhizome buds, as well as interactions among four hormones, may be the key physiological mechanisms to maintain rhizome bud germination throughout the year in C. pingbianense. As C. pingbianense is a special bamboo species of multi-season shoot sprouting, the above results may supplement scientific data for a comprehensive understanding of physiological mechanisms within the bamboo subfamily. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Auxin Biology)
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Review

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20 pages, 1765 KiB  
Review
Advances in Plant Auxin Biology: Synthesis, Metabolism, Signaling, Interaction with Other Hormones, and Roles under Abiotic Stress
by Jianshuang Gao, Shunyao Zhuang and Weiwei Zhang
Plants 2024, 13(17), 2523; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172523 - 8 Sep 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6852
Abstract
Auxin is a key hormone that regulates plant growth and development, including plant shape and sensitivity to environmental changes. Auxin is biosynthesized and metabolized via many parallel pathways, and it is sensed and transduced by both normal and atypical pathways. The production, catabolism, [...] Read more.
Auxin is a key hormone that regulates plant growth and development, including plant shape and sensitivity to environmental changes. Auxin is biosynthesized and metabolized via many parallel pathways, and it is sensed and transduced by both normal and atypical pathways. The production, catabolism, and signal transduction pathways of auxin primarily govern its role in plant growth and development, and in the response to stress. Recent research has discovered that auxin not only responds to intrinsic developmental signals, but also mediates various environmental signals (e.g., drought, heavy metals, and temperature stresses) and interacts with hormones such as cytokinin, abscisic acid, gibberellin, and ethylene, all of which are involved in the regulation of plant growth and development, as well as the maintenance of homeostatic equilibrium in plant cells. In this review, we discuss the latest research on auxin types, biosynthesis and metabolism, polar transport, signaling pathways, and interactions with other hormones. We also summarize the important role of auxin in plants under abiotic stresses. These discussions provide new perspectives to understand the molecular mechanisms of auxin’s functions in plant development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Auxin Biology)
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14 pages, 1160 KiB  
Review
The Roles of GRETCHEN HAGEN3 (GH3)-Dependent Auxin Conjugation in the Regulation of Plant Development and Stress Adaptation
by Pan Luo, Ting-Ting Li, Wei-Ming Shi, Qi Ma and Dong-Wei Di
Plants 2023, 12(24), 4111; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244111 - 8 Dec 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2784
Abstract
The precise control of free auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) gradient, which is orchestrated by biosynthesis, conjugation, degradation, hydrolyzation, and transport, is critical for all aspects of plant growth and development. Of these, the GRETCHEN HAGEN 3 (GH3) acyl acid amido synthetase family, pivotal [...] Read more.
The precise control of free auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) gradient, which is orchestrated by biosynthesis, conjugation, degradation, hydrolyzation, and transport, is critical for all aspects of plant growth and development. Of these, the GRETCHEN HAGEN 3 (GH3) acyl acid amido synthetase family, pivotal in conjugating IAA with amino acids, has garnered significant interest. Recent advances in understanding GH3-dependent IAA conjugation have positioned GH3 functional elucidation as a hot topic of research. This review aims to consolidate and discuss recent findings on (i) the enzymatic mechanisms driving GH3 activity, (ii) the influence of chemical inhibitor on GH3 function, and (iii) the transcriptional regulation of GH3 and its impact on plant development and stress response. Additionally, we explore the distinct biological functions attributed to IAA-amino acid conjugates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Auxin Biology)
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