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Mutual inhibition between EPFL2 and auxin extends the intervals of periodic leaf morphogenesis

Author

Listed:
  • Toshiaki Tameshige

    (Nara Institute of Science and Technology
    Kyoto Prefectural University
    Yokohama City University
    Nagoya University)

  • Takeshi Tsuchida

    (Nara Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Yuuki Matsushita

    (Higashi-Hiroshima
    National Centre for Biological Sciences)

  • Yuki Doll

    (Nara Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Kaisei Maruyama

    (Nara Institute of Science and Technology
    Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)

  • Takemoto Agui

    (Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)

  • Mitsuhiro Aida

    (Kumamoto University
    Kumamoto University
    Kumamoto University)

  • Hiroyuki Kasahara

    (Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
    RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science)

  • Keiko U. Torii

    (Nagoya University
    The University of Texas at Austin)

  • Naoyuki Uchida

    (Nagoya University
    Nagoya University)

  • Koichi Fujimoto

    (Higashi-Hiroshima)

  • Momoko Ikeuchi

    (Nara Institute of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Rules behind the spatial arrangement of repetitive modules are key principles of multicellular morphogenesis. In plant shoots, PIN-FORMED 1 (PIN1)-mediated polar auxin transport instructs periodic formation of auxin maxima, which develop into lateral organs or leaf serrations. However, it remains unknown how the intervals of regularly arising auxin maxima are controlled. Here we show that a cysteine rich peptide EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR-LIKE 2 (EPFL2) dose-dependently determines the intervals of auxin maxima during serration formation in leaf primordia. EPFL2 constitutes a mutually repressive relationship with cellular auxin response, thereby produces bistable states. Based on our computational simulations, we propose that the bistability modulates the periodicity of PIN1-mediated auxin maxima formation. Moreover, EPFL2 ensures precise phyllotactic angles, underscoring the general role of EPFL2 in auxin-mediated shoot patterning. This study illustrates that the intercoupling between EPFL2-auxin bistable module and PIN1-mediated polar auxin transport underpins versatile periodicity in auxin maxima formation during shoot development.

Suggested Citation

  • Toshiaki Tameshige & Takeshi Tsuchida & Yuuki Matsushita & Yuki Doll & Kaisei Maruyama & Takemoto Agui & Mitsuhiro Aida & Hiroyuki Kasahara & Keiko U. Torii & Naoyuki Uchida & Koichi Fujimoto & Momoko, 2025. "Mutual inhibition between EPFL2 and auxin extends the intervals of periodic leaf morphogenesis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-65792-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65792-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Didier Reinhardt & Eva-Rachele Pesce & Pia Stieger & Therese Mandel & Kurt Baltensperger & Malcolm Bennett & Jan Traas & Jiří Friml & Cris Kuhlemeier, 2003. "Regulation of phyllotaxis by polar auxin transport," Nature, Nature, vol. 426(6964), pages 255-260, November.
    2. Paul K. Grant & Gregory Szep & Om Patange & Jacob Halatek & Valerie Coppard & Attila Csikász-Nagy & Jim Haseloff & James C. W. Locke & Neil Dalchau & Andrew Phillips, 2020. "Interpretation of morphogen gradients by a synthetic bistable circuit," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
    3. repec:plo:pcbi00:1006065 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Timothy S. Gardner & Charles R. Cantor & James J. Collins, 2000. "Construction of a genetic toggle switch in Escherichia coli," Nature, Nature, vol. 403(6767), pages 339-342, January.
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