[Wolfgang Schmidt] A unique suite of genes orchestrates cytosolic pH homeostasis
POST:
Maintaining cytosolic pH within a narrow, slightly alkaline set value is critical to cell viability. A recent study conducted by the Schmidt laboratory shed light on the mechanisms that allow plants pH-dependent adjustment of metabolism and growth (Bailey et al., 2023). The authors identified a module comprised of genes that mediate acclimation to both low and high pH. It appears that the malate transporter ALMT1, the ferro-oxidase LAC7, and the dioxygenase DOX1 act in concert to tune root growth in response to the prevailing external pH. In this scenario, LAC7 modulates root meristem activity under normal and acidic growth conditions, while the gene is strongly repressed at high pH, where root growth is hampered by reduced cell wall extensibility. The analysis allows comprehensive insights into processes that are triggered by external pH and provides guidance for follow up research that will help to elucidate the molecular basis of the calcicole/calcifuge behavior of plants.