A new perspective on auxin perception

An important question in modern plant biology concerns the mechanisms of auxin perception. Despite the recently discovered soluble receptor, the F-box protein TIR1, there is no doubt that another type of signal perception exists, and is linked to the plasma membrane. Two models for the receptor have been suggested: either the receptor includes a protein kinase, or it is coupled with a G-protein. We propose a third model, acting through Ca2+-channels in the plasma membrane. The model is based on the revealed rapid auxin-induced reactions, including changes in the membrane potential, shifts in cytosol concentration of Ca2+ and H+ and modulation of cell sensitivity to hormones by the external Ca2+ concentration. Detailed inhibitor analysis with both living cells and isolated plasma membranes show that auxin might directly stimulate Ca2+ transport through the plasma membrane. A hypothetical scheme of auxin perception at the plasma membrane is suggested together with further transduction events. In addition, comparative analyses of auxin and serotonin perceptions are provided.