H. Jönsson, M. Heisler, B.E. Shapiro, E.M. Meyerowitz and E. Mjolsness
An auxin-driven polarized transport model for phyllotaxis
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 103, 1633-1638 (2006)
Abstract: Recent studies show that plant organ
positioning may be mediated by localized concentrations of
the plant hormone auxin. Auxin patterning in the shoot apical
meristem is in turn brought about by the subcellular polar
distribution of the putative auxin efflux mediator, PIN1.
However, the question of what signals determine PIN1
polarization and how this gives rise to regular patterns of
auxin concentration remains unknown. Here we address these
questions by using mathematical modeling combined with
confocal imaging. We propose a model that is based on the
assumption that auxin influences the polarization of its own
efflux within the meristem epidermis. We show that such a
model is sufficient to create regular spatial patterns of
auxin concentration on systems with static and dynamic
cellular connectivities, the latter governed by a mechanical
model. We also optimize parameter values for the PIN1
dynamics by using a detailed auxin transport model, for which
parameter values are taken from experimental estimates,
together with a template consisting of cell and wall
compartments as well as PIN1 concentrations quantitatively
extracted from confocal data. The model shows how polarized
transport can drive the formation of regular patterns.
LU TP 05-21