Researchers have unveiled a crucial breakthrough in understanding the unique leaf structure of C4 plants, known as Kranz anatomy, which contributes to their superior photosynthetic rates and improved nitrogen and water use efficiency compared to C3 plants.
The distinctive Kranz structure, characterized by inner vascular bundle sheath cells and outer mesophyll cells, plays a pivotal role in the transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis. The evolution of C4 plants has long been associated with increased vascular bundle density, but the regulatory mechanisms governing leaf vein density have remained mysterious.
A recent study has identified the SHR gene as a key player in this process. The SHR gene, previously recognized for its role in root cortex development and nodule formation in legumes, has been found to have a novel function in modulating vascular bundle density in leaves. Mutations in the SHR gene inhibit mesophyll cell division and lead to increased leaf vein density in rice and maize.
Conversely, overexpression of SHR from various plant species induces mesophyll cell division and significantly reduces leaf vein density in rice and maize. The study also observed that SHR proteins are present in both bundle sheath and mesophyll cells, and increasing native SHR expression replicates the phenotype seen in SHR overexpression lines.
The research revealed an inverse relationship between SHR protein abundance and leaf vein density. Furthermore, exogenous auxin treatment was found to enhance leaf vein formation in rice. Combining increased SHR and auxin levels in rice leaves resulted in the creation of C4-like vein patterns, marking a significant step toward understanding the evolution of C4 vascular bundle patterns in monocots.
The study proposes that the synergistic upregulation of SHR and auxin may be a key driver for the transition from C3 to C4 vascular bundle patterns in monocots. From an evolutionary perspective, the simultaneous increase in SHR and auxin levels could have played a crucial role in enhancing mesophyll cell growth and accelerating vein differentiation rates in C4 monocots compared to their C3 ancestors.
In conclusion, these groundbreaking findings uncover the intricate interplay between SHR and auxin, offering valuable insights into C4 vein formation. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for enhancing the photosynthetic efficiency of C3 crops, potentially revolutionizing agricultural practices. The research is published in the journal Science Bulletin.