Abstract
Both root meristem size and root growth are regulated systematically as the rates of cell division and elongation are synchronized. However the molecular details of the transcription network regulating rapid root cell elongation are poorly understood. To identify the transcriptional networks regulating rapid root cell elongation, we used our RootMap, which comprises high-resolution gene expression profiles obtained from fine sections along the developmental axis of the Arabidopsis root. We chose several transcription factors show a peak of gene expression at the boundary between the root meristem zone and elongation zone. We then screened Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion mutants for these transcription factors. Preliminary characterization of one of these, UPBEAT1 has shown that downregulation results in a larger plant while upregulation results in a smaller plant.
The molecular and cytological characterization of the upbeat1 mutant should provide new insights into the molecular interactions controlling rapid cell expansion.
