Further insights into the role of NIN-LIKE PROTEIN 7 (NLP7) in root cap cell release

Abstract

The root cap protects the root from environmental stress and senses gravity. Cells of the last layer of the root cap are shed in a developmentally programmed process. We previously showed that the transcription factor NIN-LIKE PROTEIN7 (NLP7) regulates root cap cell release likely through regulation of CELLULASE5 (CEL5). Here we provide a supplement to that work. We hypothesized that the nlp7 mutant has defects in additional root cap functions. We find that neither gravity sensing nor expression of a root cap cell identity marker is altered in nlp7 but that expression of another cellulase, CEL3, is upregulated. We conclude that NLP7 control of root cap cell release is largely independent of gravity sensing and root cap cell identity.

OsNLP4is required for nitrate assimilation gene expressions and nitrate-dependent growth in rice

“…Recently, it is reported that in A. thaliana NLPs also take a role in developmentally programmed processes independent of nitrate. AtNLP7 can regulate root cap cell release likely through regulation of CELLULASE5 (Karve and Iyer-Pascuzzi 2018). So further studies are clearly required to understand how OsNLP4 reacts to nitrate signaling with changing from inactive form to active one and the functions of other OsNLPs in rice.…”