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ClearDepthIAS enables automated high-throughput quantification of roots in soil-grown taproot crops.

Understanding root system architecture is critical for improving crop productivity and resilience, yet phenotyping root traits such as root growth angle and rooting depth remains technically challenging, especially at high throughput. Here, we present ClearDepthIAS, a high-throughput imaging and analysis platform that enables nondestructive, automated quantification of root architecture traits in taproot system crops. By capturing and stitching 360° images of roots growing along the transparent walls of pots and applying deep learning-based segmentation (ClearDepth-WRT), we measured wall root shallowness (WRS)-a proxy for root growth angle-with high precision. We demonstrated for the tap root systems of soybean and canola that the system accurately detects root tips, quantifies their vertical distribution, and extracts biologically meaningful traits such as root area, distribution indices, and growth angles. Validation experiments in canola and soybean demonstrated that WRS can correlate with root crown architecture in mature plants, both in greenhouse and field settings. Furthermore, WRS and root distribution indices derived from ClearDepthIAS are predictors of early root architecture and can be correlated with root biomass distribution across soil depths under field conditions; however, environmental interactions may influence these relationships and weaken or even negate such correlations, as observed when comparing field to field variation in root system architecture. Our system enables efficient phenotyping of genetically diverse populations, with medium to high trait heritability, supporting its utility for genome-wide association studies and breeding. ClearDepthIAS accelerates the development of root ideotypes for improved resource acquisition and carbon sequestration, offering a scalable tool for supporting climate-resilient agriculture.

Plant Roots↗

The S-methylmethionine cycle in angiosperms: ubiquity, antiquity and activity.

Angiosperms synthesize S-methylmethionine (SMM) from methionine (Met) and S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) in a unique reaction catalyzed by Met S-methyltransferase (MMT). SMM serves as methyl donor for Met synthesis from homocysteine, catalyzed by homocysteine S-methyltransferase (HMT). MMT and HMT together have been proposed to constitute a futile SMM cycle that stops the free Met pool from being depleted by an overshoot in AdoMet synthesis. Arabidopsis and maize have one MMT gene, and at least three HMT genes that belong to two anciently diverged classes and encode enzymes with distinct properties and expression patterns. SMM, and presumably its cycle, must therefore have originated before dicot and monocot lineages separated. Arabidopsis leaves, roots and developing seeds all express MMT and HMTs, and can metabolize [35S]Met to [35S]SMM and vice versa. The SMM cycle therefore operates throughout the plant. This appears to be a general feature of angiosperms, as digital gene expression profiles show that MMT and HMT are co-expressed in leaves, roots and reproductive tissues of maize and other species. An in silico model of the SMM cycle in mature Arabidopsis leaves was developed from radiotracer kinetic measurements and pool size data. This model indicates that the SMM cycle consumes half the AdoMet produced, and suggests that the cycle serves to stop accumulation of AdoMet, rather than to prevent depletion of free Met. Because plants lack the negative feedback loops that regulate AdoMet pool size in other eukaryotes, the SMM cycle may be the main mechanism whereby plants achieve short-term control of AdoMet level.

Arabidopsis↗

Either nitric oxide or nerve growth factor is required for dorsal root ganglion neurons to survive during embryonic and neonatal development.

During early embryonic (E12) development almost all dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). At this stage, the axons of these neurons are rudimentary and have not made contact with peripheral tissue targets. As their axons establish contact with peripheral targets such as the skin, the number of neurons expressing nNOS decrease that correspond to increased immunoreactivity for nerve growth factor (NGF) in the skin, and its high affinity receptor, tyrosine kinase A (trkA) in both skin and DRG neurons. During late postnatal development, very few DRG neurons express nNOS; however, axotomy or NGF deprivation of cultured DRG neurons induce nNOS and NOS blockade causes neuronal death. In contrast, NGF-deprived embryonic and neonatal DRG neurons die by apoptosis, while NOS blockade has no effect. Overall, these observations suggest that NGF and nitric oxide (NO) interact during embryonic and postnatal development to facilitate neuronal selection and survival. The roles of NO, NGF and its receptor trkA in DRG neurons during different stages of development are discussed.

Age Factors↗

Expression profiling of up-regulated plant and fungal genes in early and late stages of Medicago truncatula-Glomus mosseae interactions.

Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), expression profiling and EST sequencing identified 12 plant genes and six fungal genes that are expressed in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis between Medicago truncatula and Glomus mosseae. All the plant genes and three of the fungal genes were up-regulated in symbiotic tissues. Expression of 15 of the genes is described for the first time in mycorrhizal roots and two are novel sequences. Six M. truncatula genes were also activated during appressorium formation at the root surface, suggesting a role in this early stage of mycorrhiza establishment, whilst the other six plant genes were only induced in the late stages of mycorrhization and could be involved in the development or functioning of the symbiosis. Phosphate fertilization had no significant influence on expression of any of the plant genes. Expression profiling of G. mosseae genes indicated that two of them may be associated with appressorium development on roots and one with arbuscule formation or function. The other three fungal genes were expressed throughout the life-cycle of G. mosseae.

DNA, Complementary↗

SNF1-related kinases allow plants to tolerate herbivory by allocating carbon to roots.

Herbivore attack elicits costly defenses that are known to decrease plant fitness by using resources that are normally slated for growth and reproduction. Additionally, plants have evolved mechanisms for tolerating attack, which are not understood on a molecular level. Using 11C-photosynthate labeling as well as sugar and enzyme measurements, we found rapid changes in sink-source relations in the annual Nicotiana attenuata after simulated herbivore attacks, which increased the allocation of sugars to roots. This herbivore-induced response is regulated by the beta-subunit of an SnRK1 (SNF1-related kinase) protein kinase, GAL83, transcripts of which are rapidly down-regulated in source leaves after herbivore attack and, when silenced, increase assimilate transport to roots. This C diversion response is activated by herbivore-specific elicitors and is independent of jasmonate signaling, which regulates most of the plant's defense responses. Herbivore attack during early stages of development increases root reserves, which, in turn, delays senescence and prolongs flowering. That attacked GAL83-silenced plants use their enhanced root reserves to prolong reproduction demonstrates that SnRK1 alters resource allocation so that plants better tolerate herbivory. This tolerance mechanism complements the likely defensive value of diverting resources to a less vulnerable location within the plant.

Animals↗

Richard Owen and the comparative anatomy of teeth.

One hundred fifty years ago, Richard Owen published the first detailed monograph on the comparative anatomy of teeth entitled Odontography; or, A Treatise on the Comparative Anatomy of the Teeth; their Physiological Relations, Mode of Development, and Microscopic Structure, in the Vertebrate Animals. The treatise is considered to be the first fundamental work of odontology. The 150th anniversary of its publication is an appropriate time to rediscover the roots and development of this scientific discipline, as well as the life and work of its author.

Anatomy, Comparative↗

[Induction of hairy roots of Pueraria phaseoloides and its culture in liquid and solid medium].

An efficient transformation system for genetic transformation of medicinal plant, Pueraria phaseoloides, which contains puerarin and daidzein with hypothermic, spasmolytic, hypotensive and anti-arrhythmic activities, by using agropine-type Agrobacterium rhizogenes ATCC 15834 was developed. Hairy roots could be obtained directly from the cut edges of petioles of leaf explants of P. phaseoloides or via callus 20 days after inoculation with agrobacterium. The percentage of rooted leaf explants 35 days after infection was about 85%. Hairy roots could have a rapid growth on solid or liquid growth regulator-free MS medium. The transformation of hairy roots was confirmed by PCR amplification of rol B and rol C genes of Ri plasmid from A. rhizogenes. To investigate the physiological difference between solid and liquid culture, the biomass (fresh weight and dry weight), the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the total content of soluble sugar in hairy roots cultured for 15 days in solid and liquid medium were detected, respectively, by the method of fluorescence labeling of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (2',7'-DCFH-DA) and by the anthrone colourimetry. Compared to hairy roots in solid medium, hairy roots grew more rapidly in liquid medium but formed no callus and appeared to become brown earlier during culture. The fresh weight, the dry weight, the total content of soluble sugar and the levels of reactive oxygen species of hairy roots cultured into liquid medium MS without plant growth regulators for 15 days were 1.59 times, 1.18 times, 5.25 times and 1.16 times, respectively as much as that of hairy roots cultured onto solid medium. Our results firstly indicate that P. phaseoloides hairy roots in solid medium can utilize or metabolize more soluble sugar but produce less reactive oxygen species than that in liquid medium. This may be related to the fact that hairy roots are easier to turn brown in liquid medium than that onto solid medium. Our results have laid a foundation for defining optimum culture manner for large-scale cultivation and large-scale production of secondary metabolites of P. phaseoloides hairy roots.

Culture Media↗

Incremental lines in root cementum of human teeth--a reliable age marker?

In root cementum of teeth, alternating dark and light lines become visible in cross-sections under the light microscope. These lines bear an apparent resemblance to the annual rings of trees. Numerous studies have been done to correlate the number of cementum lines with the dental age by examining a great number of teeth of known age. Our study used a different approach. If lines in root cementum develop in an annual rhythm and are thus comparable to annual rings of trees, the same or at least a very similar number of these structures should be found in all areas of the root cementum of the same tooth. We counted cementum lines in the buccal, lingual, distal and mesial region of different sections, all from the middle third of the same root. This was repeated in eight teeth. To our surprise, we had immense difficulty in counting reproducible line numbers in the same cementum area at repeated counts. Nevertheless, the same tooth was found to differ markedly in the number of lines in different sections as well as in different regions of the same sections. These differences cannot be ascribed to variations caused by difficulties with reproducible line counting. Therefore, we are more than skeptical about the reliability of counting lines in root cementum as a method for determining the age of human teeth.

Adult↗

Differential expression within the glutamine synthetase gene family of the model legume Medicago truncatula.

The glutamine synthetase (GS) gene family of Medicago truncatula Gaertn. contains three genes related to cytosolic GS (MtGSa, MtGSb, and MtGSc), although one of these (MtGSc) appears not to be expressed. Sequence analysis suggests that the genes are more highly conserved interspecifically rather than intraspecifically: MtGSa and MtGSb are more similar to their homologs in Medicago sativa and Pisum sativum than to each other. Studies in which gene-specific probes are used show that both MtGSa and MtGSb are induced during symbiotic root nodule development, although not coordinately. MtGSa is the most highly expressed GS gene in nodules but is also expressed to lower extents in a variety of other organs. MtGSb shows higher levels of expression in roots and the photosynthetic cotyledons of seedlings than in nodules or other organs. In roots, both genes are expressed in the absence of an exogenous nitrogen source. However the addition of nitrate leads to a short-term, 2- to 3-fold increase in the abundance of both mRNAs, and the addition of ammonium leads to a 2-fold increase in MtGSb mRNA. The nitrogen supply, therefore, influences the expression of the two genes in roots, but it is clearly not the major effector of their expression. In the discussion section, the expression of the GS gene family of the model legume M. truncatula is compared to those of other leguminous plants.

Ammonia↗

Influence of conventional forceps extraction and extraction with an extrusion instrument on cementoblast loss and external root resorption of replanted monkey incisors.

Cementoblast loss and root resorption on the root surface was registered histologically after removal and immediate replantation of maxillary central incisors in monkeys (Cecropithecus aethiops). Incisors were removed with either a conventional extraction technique using forceps or with a special designed extrusion instrument and in both cases teeth were immediately replanted. Altogether 18 monkeys were used for the experiments in which 9 monkeys were sacrificed after 3 d and 9 animals after 8 wk. Histological analysis was made in horizontal sections perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth using either 24 measuring points or 12 sections. Histometric analysis showed extensive cementoblast loss in the periodontal ligament (PDL) and with a maximum of damage occurring on the corner surfaces of the root. Extracted teeth showed significantly more extensive cementoblast loss than extruded teeth. Root resorption was also found in the corner locations and was significantly more frequent in extracted than in extruded teeth. There was a similarity in the distribution of cementoblast loss and root resorption indicating that root resorption develops in the same areas where cementoblast loss takes place, i.e. locations that are more compressed during removal of the tooth and must have caused by mechanical damage to the PDL exerted on the root surface during tooth removal.

Animals↗

LOP1: a gene involved in auxin transport and vascular patterning in Arabidopsis.

We have taken a genetic approach to understanding the mechanisms that control vascular patterning in the leaves of higher plants. Here we present the identification and characterization of the lop1 mutant of Arabidopsis which is defective in basipetal transport of IAA. Mutant leaf midveins show disoriented axial growth, and bifurcation into twin veins that are frequently rotated out of the normal dorsal/ventral axis of the leaf. Mutant plants also display abnormal patterns of cell expansion in the midrib cortex and in the epidermis of the elongation zone of lateral roots. Lateral roots show abnormal curvature during initiation, sometimes encircling the primary root prior to growth in a normal downward direction. Mutant seedlings have normal levels of free IAA, and appear normal in auxin perception, suggesting that transport is the primary lesion. The abnormalities in vascular development, lateral root initiation and patterns of cell expansion observed in the lop] mutant are consistent with a basic disruption in basipetal transport of IAA.

Arabidopsis↗

Nitric oxide is involved in the Azospirillum brasilense-induced lateral root formation in tomato.

Azospirillum spp. is a well known plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium. Azospirillum-inoculated plants have shown to display enhanced lateral root and root hair development. These promoting effects have been attributed mainly to the production of hormone-like substances. Nitric oxide (NO) has recently been described to act as a signal molecule in the hormonal cascade leading to root formation. However, data on the possible role of NO in free-living diazotrophs associated to plant roots, is unavailable. In this work, NO production by Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 was detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (6.4 nmol. g-1 of bacteria) and confirmed by the NO-specific fluorescent probe 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2 DA). The observed green fluorescence was significantly diminished by the addition of the specific NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO). Azospirillum-inoculated and noninoculated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) roots were incubated with DAF-2 DA and examined by epifluorescence microscopy. Azospirillum-inoculated roots displayed higher fluorescence intensity which was located mainly at the vascular tissues and subepidermal cells of roots. The Azospirillum-mediated induction of lateral root formation (LRF) appears to be NO-dependent since it was completely blocked by treatment with cPTIO, whereas the addition of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside partially reverted the inhibitory effect of cPTIO. Overall, the results strongly support the participation of NO in the Azospirillum-promoted LRF in tomato seedlings.

Azospirillum brasilense↗

Complementary and overlapping expression of Y1, Y2 and Y5 receptors in the developing and adult mouse nervous system.

Neuropeptide Y, a 36 amino acid peptide, mediates its biological effects by activating the Y1, Y2, Y5 and Y6 receptors, which are also receptors for the structurally related peptide YY. Different classes of receptors have been suggested to be involved in different neuropeptide Y functions. In this report, we have characterized the developmental regulation and compared the cellular localization of these receptors in the developing and in the adult central and peripheral nervous systems of the mouse. RNase protection assays revealed that Y1, Y2 and Y5 messenger RNAs were expressed very early in spinal cord, brain, cerebellum and dorsal root ganglion development and were often down-regulated at times corresponding to their acquirement of the adult function in neurotransmission. In situ hybridization of the adult brain showed that Y1 was widely expressed, Y2 displayed a more restricted pattern, Y5 was expressed at very low levels and only in a few brain nuclei and Y6 was not expressed. Virtually all areas containing neurons positive for Y5 also expressed Y1, whereas many Y1-positive cells clearly did not express Y5. In contrast, Y2 was not expressed by the neurons expressing Y1 or Y5. These findings suggest that neuropeptide Y signaling in the brain could be mediated by simultaneous Y1 and Y5 activation. Similar results were also obtained in peripheral sensory neurons. Furthermore, our results suggest that neuropeptide Y/peptide YY receptors play an important role in nervous system development and that selective receptor combinations are responsible for signaling the different effects of neuropeptide Y in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Animals↗

The expression of receptor tyrosine phosphatases is responsive to sciatic nerve crush.

Given the importance of phosphotyrosine signaling in growth cone dynamics, we have examined the embryonic and adult expression of receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatases in sensory neurons and studied their responsiveness to nerve lesions in young adult animals. The phosphatases LAR, PTPsigma, and PTPalpha are expressed in most neurons of E14 and E18 rat embryo dorsal root ganglia, while BEM-1 is expressed in a more restricted subset of these neurons. These phosphatases continue to be expressed in young adult animals, suggesting that they have roles in mature as well as in developing dorsal root ganglia neurons. After an experimental sciatic nerve crush, the expression of the phosphatase genes was significantly and differentially altered in these neurons. PTPsigma mRNA was increased by 50% after 3 days, while LAR and PTPalpha expression dropped by 50 and 20%, respectively. BEM-1 mRNA levels were unaltered. These data show that mRNA levels of specific tyrosine phosphatase genes are highly responsive to nerve damage and may be reset to a new and potentially optimal pattern of expression more conducive for nerve regeneration. We propose that tyrosine phosphatases are not only involved in primary axonogenesis but can also now be implicated in the molecular control of adult nerve repair.

Aging↗

Hydraulic and chemical signalling in the control of stomatal conductance and transpiration.

Abscisic acid (ABA) transported in the xylem from root to shoot and perceived at the guard cell is now widely studied as an essential regulating factor in stomatal closure under drought stress. This provides the plant with a stomatal response mechanism in which water potential is perceived in the root as an indication of soil water status and available water resources. There is also ample evidence that stomata respond directly to some component of leaf water status. This provides additional information about water potential gradients developing between root and shoot as the result of water transport, allowing for a more stable regulation of shoot water status and better protection of the transport system itself. The precise location at which leaf water status is sensed, however, and the molecular events transducing this signal into a guard cell response are not yet known. Major questions therefore remain unanswered on how water stress signals perceived at root and leaf locations are integrated at the guard cell to control stomatal behaviour.

Abscisic Acid↗

Two Arabidopsis thaliana genes, KOR2 and KOR3, which encode membrane-anchored endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanases, are differentially expressed in developing leaf trichomes and their support cells.

The Arabidopsis KOR gene encodes a membrane-anchored endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase involved in cell wall assembly. To obtain a more detailed knowledge of the small gene family encoding membrane-anchored endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanases in Arabidopsis thaliana, we have characterized two additional membrane-anchored endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase genes. Sequence comparison indicates that KOR2 is distantly related to KOR and other plant membrane-anchored endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanases. The expression of KOR2 and KOR3 was followed by the beta-glucuronidase (gusA) reporter-gene method. While the KOR gene is most often expressed throughout the plant, KOR2::gusA and KOR3::gusA are active only in restricted cell types. We demonstrate that KOR2::gusA is expressed very early in the development of root hairs within the root differentiation zone (specialization zone) but not in the root-hair-bearing epidermal cells at the root/shoot junction (transition zone). Furthermore, KOR2::gusA is expressed in the proximal parts of leaves and floral organs (rosette and cauline leaves, sepals, petals and stamens), and in trichomes, as they develop at the tip of young leaves and later in more basal regions of the leaf blade. The KOR3::gusA construct is expressed in the trichome support cells that form a ring at the base of each trichome and in the bundle sheath cells which surround the vascular bundle within the leaf mesophyll tissue. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of Arabidopsis RNA confirmed the expression of KOR2::gusA and KOR3::gusA. In conclusion, although KOR2 and KOR3 have more restricted expression patterns than the previously characterized KOR gene, they are expressed in cell types at time points where cell wall assembly is likely to occur and, interestingly, differentially expressed in leaf trichomes and their support cells.

Arabidopsis↗

Diverse immunocytochemical expression of opioid receptors in electrophysiologically defined cells of rat dorsal root ganglia.

The development of opiate analgesics that do not produce adverse side effects is hampered by the difficulty in developing drugs that are tissue/sensory cell-specific. Previously, our laboratory has demonstrated that small- and medium-diameter dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells can be subclassified into at least nine distinct cell types based upon their patterns of voltage activated currents [Petruska, J.C., Napaporn, J., Johnson, R.D., Gu, J.G., Cooper, B.Y., 2000. Subclassified acutely dissociated cells of rat DRG: histochemistry and patterns of capsaicin-, proton-, and ATP-activated currents. J. Neurophysiol. 84 (5), 2365-2379; Petruska, J.C., Napaporn, J., Johnson, R.D., Cooper, B.Y., 2002. Chemical responsiveness and histochemical phenotype of electrophysiologically classified cells of the adult rat dorsal root ganglion. Neuroscience 115 (1), 15-30.] Based on their responses to algesic compounds and histochemical phenotype, eight of the nine subtypes are likely nociceptors. In the present study, we examined the immunoreactivity (IR) of delta-, kappa- and mu-opioid receptors (DOR, KOR and MOR, respectively), in 164 electrophysiologically subclassified DRG neurons. The expression of opioid receptors in the DRG cell types was diverse. Type 1 (25-30 microm cell diameter) and type 9 (35-45 microm) expressed MOR-IR, but were negative for DOR-IR and KOR-IR. Type 2 (25-30 microm) co-expressed DOR-IR and MOR-IR, but did not express KOR-IR. Type 3 (15-20 microm), the non-nociceptive cell type, was not immunoreactive. Type 4 (35-45 microm), type 6 (35-45 microm), and type 7 (15-20 microm) expressed all three opioid receptors. Type 5 (35-45 microm) and type 8 (35-45 microm), co-expressed KOR-IR and MOR-IR, but did not express DOR-IR. The co-expression of opioid receptors in some of the cell types suggests that these sensory afferents might contain heteromeric opioid receptors. Additionally, the diverse expression patterns of opioid receptors between cell types and the consistency of these patterns maintained within each cell type provides further evidence of distinct functional properties of DRG nociceptors.

Afferent Pathways↗