Role of SL and KL signalling in root development

Model showing phenotypic changes occurring in KL signalling mutant roots, and potential associated changes in auxin transport (green arrows)

Because strigolactone (SL) and KAI2-ligand (KL) signalling both utilise the MAX2 F-box protein, and are both stimulated by the synthetic ligand rac-GR24, there has been considerable confusion about the effects of each signalling pathway. These have been largely resolved in the shoot system, but the role of each pathway in root development remains poorly characterised. We have been attempting to understand the role of each pathway in different aspects of root development, and trying to understand the mechanisms by which the pathways act.