P. N. Benfey

Brassinosteroid gene regulatory networks at cellular resolution

The paper identifies BR-responsive gene expression in Arabidopsis root cells using single-cell RNA-sequencing and reveals HAT7 and GTL1 as transcription factors regulating cell elongation.

Arabidopsis uses a molecular grounding mechanism and a biophysical circuit breaker to limit floral abscission signaling

This study identifies MKP1 as a negative regulator of the HAE/HSL2 abscission pathway in Arabidopsis and shows how IDA expression patterns act as a biophysical circuit breaker to terminate signaling.

Cell-type specific transcriptomics reveals roles for root hairs and endodermal barriers in interaction with beneficial rhizobacterium

The paper uses cell-type-specific transcriptomics to show how WCS417 affects root cell types, revealing roles for root hairs in immunity and endodermal barriers in beneficial association.

The rhizodynamics robot: Automated imaging system for studying long-term dynamic root growth

The paper introduces an automated imaging system for long-term root growth studies and demonstrates its use in orchid root imaging over six months.

Plant immune system activation is necessary for efficient interaction with auxin secreting beneficial bacteria

The paper shows that plant immune system activation is required for beneficial bacteria to efficiently colonize roots and secrete auxin, which in turn promotes bacterial survival and plant health.

Capturing in-field root system dynamics with the RootTracker

The paper introduces RootTracker, a device that measures root growth in the field, and finds that maize hybrids respond differently to drought by growing more and deeper roots.

A plant lipocalin is required for retinal-mediated de novo root organogenesis

The paper identifies a plant lipocalin, TIL, that is required for retinal-mediated de novo root organogenesis in Arabidopsis.

A single cell Arabidopsis root atlas reveals developmental trajectories in wild type and cell identity mutants

The paper constructs a single-cell atlas of Arabidopsis root development and identifies an alternative pathway for endodermal identity specification in mutants.

VST Family Proteins are Regulators of Root System Architecture in Rice and Arabidopsis

This study identifies OsVST1 in rice and its homologs in Arabidopsis as regulators of root system architecture, showing conserved function and potential for agricultural optimization.

Mechanism and function of root circumnutation

The paper identifies molecular regulators of root circumnutation and demonstrates its functional role in root exploration and seedling establishment.

Cell wall remodeling and vesicle trafficking mediate the root clock in Arabidopsis

This study identifies GNOM and AGD3 as critical for root clock function in Arabidopsis by regulating pectin esterification and distribution during lateral root initiation.

Anchorene is an endogenous diapocarotenoid required for anchor root formation in Arabidopsis

The paper identifies anchorene, a carotenoid-derived dialdehyde, as an endogenous signal required for anchor root formation in Arabidopsis, showing it modulates auxin homeostasis.