An auxin research odyssey: 1989–2023

Abstract

The phytohormone auxin is at times called the master regulator of plant processes and has been shown to be a central player in embryo development, the establishment of the polar axis, early aspects of seedling growth, as well as growth and organ formation during later stages of plant development. The Plant Cell has been key, since the inception of the journal, to developing an understanding of auxin biology. Auxin regulated plant growth control is accomplished by both changes in the levels of active hormones and the sensitivity of plant tissues to these concentration changes. In this historical review, we chart auxin research as it has progressed in key areas and highlighting the role The Plant Cell played in these scientific developments. We focus on understanding auxin-responsive genes, transcription factors, reporter constructs, perception and signal transduction processes. Auxin metabolism is discussed from the development of tryptophan auxotrophic mutants, the molecular biology of conjugate formation and hydrolysis, indole-3-butyric acid metabolism and transport, and key steps in indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis, catabolism and transport. This progress leads to an expectation of a more comprehensive understanding of the systems biology of auxin and the spatial and temporal regulation of cellular growth and development.

Hydrogen Peroxide Signaling in the Maintenance of Plant Root Apical Meristem Activity

“…root cap initials are responsible for the development of the epidermis and lateral root cap, and columella initials contribute to the formation of columella cells. The phytohormone auxin has been shown to be a central player in multiple biological processes, such as root development, embryo development, and leaf development [2][3][4][5]. During root development, auxin plays an essential role in controlling the organization and function of RAM [4,6].…”

“…ROS, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2 •− ), singlet oxygen ( 1 O2), and hydroxyl radical (•OH), are considered to be toxic byproducts of metabolism that could harm cells [18]. A high level of ROS results in serious damage to cell structures and The phytohormone auxin has been shown to be a central player in multiple biological processes, such as root development, embryo development, and leaf development [2][3][4][5]. During root development, auxin plays an essential role in controlling the organization and function of RAM [4,6].…”

Celebrating the American Society of Plant Biologists centennial anniversary: A compendium of review articles in plant biology

“…Six more articles explore various topics in phytohormones and signaling. In “An auxin research odyssey: 1989–2023,” Cohen and Strader (2024) review this “master regulator” of plant processes, the role of auxin in spatial and temporal regulation of plant growth and development, and the role The Plant Cell has played in publishing seminal work in this area. In “Cytokinin: From autoclaved DNA to two-component signaling,” Argueso and Kieber (2024) review cytokinin function, metabolism, transport, and the nature of cytokinin 2-component signaling pathways.…”