Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Anionic Phospholipids Orchestrate Lateral Root Initiation and Morphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

Lateral root (LR) development in Arabidopsis thaliana requires precise coordination of pericycle founder cell (FC) specification, patterning, and morphogenesis. While auxin signalling is well established in this process, the role of membrane lipid signalling--particularly phosphoinositides--remains less understood. Here, we investigate the contribution of the anionic phospholipids PI4P, PI(4,5)P2, and phosphatidylserine (PS) to LR formation using live-cell biosensors, genetic mutants, and inducible lipid depletion tools. We show that PI4P is uniformly distributed throughout lateral root primordia (LRPs), whereas PI(4,5)P2 is specifically depleted in the proliferative core during early LRP development. Time-lapse imaging revealed stable PI4P and PI(4,5)P2 levels before and after FC activation, while PS increased rapidly post-activation. In xylem-pole pericycle (XPP) cells, PI(4,5)P2 decreased and PS increased following LR initiation, with both changes occurring in a membrane-domain-specific manner. Genetic analysis of the pip5k1pip5k2 double mutant, deficient in PI(4,5)P2 synthesis, revealed impaired LR initiation and emergence. Conversely, inducible depletion of PI(4,5)P2 using the iDePP system enhanced LRP initiation and accelerated development when activated after FC specification. These results suggest that PI4P functions as a stable basal lipid, while PI(4,5)P2 and PS undergo dynamic, spatially regulated changes critical for LR progression. Notably, PI(4,5)P2 acts as a negative regulator of LRP initiation and morphogenesis. Our findings highlight how lipid signalling, in coordination with hormonal cues, provides spatial and temporal control over pericycle cell behaviour and lateral root organogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study reveals how specific membrane lipids help control where and when new lateral roots form in plants. While plant hormones like auxin are known to guide root branching, this work shows that lipids such as PI(4,5)P2 and phosphatidylserine also play key roles. Using live imaging and genetic tools, we found that reducing PI(4,5)P2 in certain root cells promotes root growth by triggering cell division and development. In contrast, phosphatidylserine level increases right when root-forming cells become active. These discoveries highlight a new layer of control in plant development and suggest that lipids help fine-tune the formation of roots, which is essential for how plants take up water and nutrients.