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Canalization hypothesis: can auxin alone regulate auxin transport?

Ivan Paponov University of Freiburg

Authors

Paponov I.A, Paponova M., Khodus T., Palme K.

Abstract

Canalization theory of vascular development in plants suggests the presence of a positive feedback loop between the flux of the plant hormone auxin and the cells' auxin transport capacity. This auxin transport capacity is determined mainly by auxin efflux carrier PINs, which are localized polar directed in accordance to auxin transport. One of the predictions of the canalization theory is a low auxin level in the veins, that did not fit experiments. To overcome the inconsistency of current theory we suggest the existence of further factors which are important for vascular development. I present the molecular data and discuss the properties of these factors which are the most probable candidates for new players in canalization theory.