Aminotransferases provide the signals for root growth

Uncovering the role of new aminotransferases in the regulation of the signals behind root growth, Le Deunff et al. show that L-aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) acts as an ethylene and auxin biosynthesis inhibitor. AVG is also shown to inhibit other aminotransferases implied in nitrogen metabolism.

Location of the different root zones where nitrate is taken up by nitrate transporters of NRT family in Arabidopsis. Full details in Le Deunff et al. (2016).

Given the central role played by aminotransferases in nutrient and carbon shuttling and hormone biosynthesis, this review concludes that an identification of aminotransferases’ targets and an understanding of the interactions between ethylene levels and nitrogen metabolism can contribute to the development of a root morphogenetic programme. This aims for improved efficiency of nitrate absorption rates.

This paper is part of the Root Biology Special Issue.