Nitrate-Regulated Auxin Transport by NRT1.1 Defines a Mechanism for Nutrient Sensing in Plants

SummaryNitrate is both a nitrogen source for higher plants and a signal molecule regulating their development. In Arabidopsis, the NRT1.1 nitrate transporter is crucial for nitrate signaling governing root growth, and has been proposed to act as a nitrate sensor. However, the sensing mechanism is unknown. Herein we show that NRT1.1 not only transports nitrate but also facilitates uptake of the phytohormone auxin. Moreover, nitrate inhibits NRT1.1-dependent auxin uptake, suggesting that transduction of nitrate signal by NRT1.1 is associated with a modification of auxin transport. Among other effects, auxin stimulates lateral root development. Mutation of NRT1.1 enhances both auxin accumulation in lateral roots and growth of these roots at low, but not high, nitrate concentration. Thus, we propose that NRT1.1 represses lateral root growth at low nitrate availability by promoting basipetal auxin transport out of these roots. This defines a mechanism connecting nutrient and hormone signaling during organ development.

► The NRT1.1 nitrate (NO3−) transporter/sensor acts as an auxin influx facilitator
► NO3− sensing by NRT1.1 involves inhibition of its auxin transport activity by NO3−
► NRT1.1 modulates auxin gradients in lateral root primordia in response to NO3−
► NRT1.1 represses lateral root growth at low external NO3− concentration