Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 155-165 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 155 Feature Review Open Access The Role of Auxin Signal Transduction in the Differentiation of Fruit Tree Branches Zhongmei Hong, Wenzhong Huang CRO Service Station, Sanya Tihitar SciTech Breeding Service Inc., Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: wenzhong.huang@hitar.org Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0015 Received: 21 May, 2024 Accepted: 23 Jun., 2024 Published: 30 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Hong and Huang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Hong Z.M., and Huang W.Z., 2024, The role of auxin signal transduction in the differentiation of fruit tree branches, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 14(3): 155-165 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0015) Abstract The phytohormone auxin plays a pivotal role in the differentiation and development of fruit tree branches. This study synthesizes recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of auxin signal transduction and its impact on branch differentiation. Auxin's influence on plant growth and development is mediated through complex signaling pathways involving auxin response factors (ARFs) and Aux/IAA proteins, which regulate gene expression and cellular responses. The interaction between auxin and other phytohormones, such as gibberellic acid (GA), further modulates fruit development and branch differentiation. This review highlights the molecular and genetic evidence supporting the role of auxin in these processes, emphasizing the importance of auxin signaling in the regulation of cell division, expansion, and differentiation in fruit trees. The findings underscore the complexity of auxin-mediated responses and the potential for manipulating auxin pathways to improve fruit tree growth and productivity. Keywords Auxin; Signal transduction; Branch differentiation; Fruit trees; Phytohormones 1 Introduction Auxin is one of the most crucial phytohormones in plant biology, playing a central role in regulating plant growth and development. It was one of the first phytohormones to be identified and has been extensively studied for over a century. Auxin influences various physiological processes, including cell division, elongation, and differentiation, by modulating gene expression through specific transcription factors and proteins (Gomes and Scortecci, 2021; Yu et al., 2022). The auxin signaling pathway involves complex mechanisms, including the perception of auxin by TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE 1 and AUXIN SIGNALING F-boxes (TIR1/AFBs), which mediate both transcriptional and non-transcriptional responses (Gallei et al., 2019; Yu et al., 2022). Additionally, auxin's role extends to the regulation of secondary xylem development and wood formation in tree species, highlighting its importance in both primary and secondary growth processes (Xu et al., 2019). Branch differentiation is a critical aspect of fruit tree development, influencing both the structural integrity and reproductive success of the plant. Proper branch differentiation ensures optimal light capture, nutrient distribution, and mechanical support, which are essential for the growth and yield of fruit trees. Auxin plays a pivotal role in this process by regulating the formation and differentiation of branches through its effects on cell division and elongation (Kato et al., 2019; Xu et al., 2019). The interaction between auxin and other phytohormones, such as gibberellins, further modulates branch development and fruit set, demonstrating the intricate hormonal crosstalk involved in these processes (Liu et al., 2018; He and Yamamuro, 2022). By synthesizing recent advances in auxin research, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying auxin-mediated branch differentiation; covers the biosynthesis, transport, and signaling pathways of auxin, as well as its interaction with other phytohormones and environmental factors; explore the genetic and epigenetic regulation of auxin signaling and its implications for the growth and development of fruit trees. Through this analysis, this study aims to identify potential targets for genetic and biotechnological interventions to enhance fruit tree productivity and resilience.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==