The Arabidopsis SGN3/GSO1 receptor kinase integrates soil nitrogen status into shoot development

Abstract

(Figure presented.) The Arabidopsis leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor kinase SCHENGEN3 is necessary for development of the Casparian strip, a watertight lining that surrounds the vascular cells in plant roots. This work reveals that, in sub-optimal and complex soil conditions, SCHENGEN3 also decodes information on soil quality for integration into above-ground growth programs. A semi-synthetic MYB36 positive feedback loop (MYB36Loop) induces earlier and wider Casparian strip establishment in roots when compared to wild-type plants. Casparian strip formation in MYB36Loop plants is independent of Schengen pathway signaling. MYB36Loop over-rides the endogenous signaling pathways which regulate Casparian strip permeability in response to soil nitrogen status. The Schengen pathway informs the shoot of soil nitrogen status via an RBOHF-dependent signal.