Chemical probes for auxin biology(<Feature Article>New development in auxin studies)

Abstract

Indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), predominant naturally occurring auxin plays a central role in plant growth and development. This small hormonal molecule regulates diverse developmental processes throughout the plant life. Auxin action is regulated by three major steps ; metabolism, transport and signaling. These highly complicated pathway and redundant functional proteins often hinder the genetic approach. To compliment genetic tools, small molecule probes have been widely utilized to elucidate auxin pathways. Here, we give an overview of small molecule probes used in auxin research and the chemical biology approaches to auxin biology.