Root Growth Regulation by Interconnected Brassinosteroids and Environmental Signals

Plants acquire essential elements from an inherently heterogeneous soil in which phosphate and iron availability vary. Consequently, plants developed adaptive strategies to low iron and low phosphate levels including alternation between root growth enhancement and attenuation. How this adaptive response is achieved remains unclear. Here, we will present new studies showing that activation of BR components in the root, and the resulting extent of root growth also depend on these nutrient availability, irrespective of the hormone levels. Altered BR signaling intensity modulates nutrient accumulation, imparting a feedback effect. This mechanism is expected to facilitate plant adaptation to distinct microenvironments in the soil.