The MicroRNA397b-LACCASE2 module regulates root lignification under water and phosphate deficiency

Abstract

Deficiency of water and phosphate induce lignin deposition in roots. LACCASEs, a family of cell wall-localized multi-copper oxidases, are involved in lignin biosynthesis. We demonstrate here that LACCASE2 (LAC2) acts as a negative regulator of lignin deposition in root vascular tissues during water deficit. An Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion mutant of LAC2 displayed a short primary root and high lignin deposition in root vascular tissues. However, restoration of LAC2 expression rescued these phenotypes. LAC2 expression was significantly downregulated under water deficit and post-transcriptionally regulated by microRNA397b (miR397b) in roots under normal and water deficit conditions. Downregulation of miR397b activity increased LAC2 expression and root length, and decreased lignin content in root vasculature. Similarly, phosphate (Pi) deficiency inversely affected miR397b and LAC2 expression. Lignin deposition in the root elongation zone under Pi-limited conditions was dependent on LAC2 expression. Localized iron accumulation and callose deposition in the root elongation zone under Pi-deficiency increased with LAC2-dependent lignification, suggesting a direct relationship between these processes. Our study reveals a regulatory role for the miR397b-LAC2 module in root lignification during water- and phosphate deficiency.