Strand 3: Lateral Root Development.
Strand 3 will examine the initiation, patterning and emergence of lateral roots. The multi-scale modelling programme will build naturally on that of Strand 2, with heterogeneous cell division and the emergent structures that result again playing prominent roles.
These new sources of cells will mean that the tracking algorithms will need to be extended to account for multiple motion models. Recent work at Nottingha
m will allow cells in lateral roots to be grouped and tracked together. The initiation of a new lateral root primordium involves auxin-induced changes in
gene expression in pericycle-derived founder cells
(Benkova et
al, 2003; see Panel A: 0 in the image above).
The auxin gradient at the developing lateral root apex serves to pattern tissues in the new organ (see blue cells in Panel A: V above).
The detailed knowledge of the polar locations of auxin transport proteins in cells within the lateral root will be used to model the direction of auxin flux within the developing organ (panel B - left).