An ATP-binding cassette transporter, ABCB19, regulates leaf position and morphology during phototropin1-mediated blue light responses.

Blue light regulates multiple processes that optimize light capture and gas exchange in plants, including chloroplast movement, changes in stomatal conductance, and altered organ positioning. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), these processes are primarily modulated by the blue light phototropin photoreceptors phot1 and phot2. Changes in leaf positioning and shape involve several signaling components that include NON-PHOTOTROPIC HYPOCOTYL3 (NPH3), PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE (PKS), ROOT PHOTOTROPISM2 (RPT2), and alterations in localized auxin streams. Direct phosphorylation of the auxin transporter ATP-BINDING CASSETTE subfamily B19 (ABCB19) by phot1 in phototropic seedlings suggests that phot1 may directly regulate ABCB19 to adjust auxin-dependent leaf responses. Here, abcb19 mutants were analyzed for fluence and blue light-dependent changes in leaf positioning and morphology. abcb19 displays upright petiole angles that remain unchanged in response to red and blue light. Similarly, abcb19 mutants develop irregularly wavy rosette leaves that are less sensitive to blue light-mediated leaf flattening. Visualization of auxin distribution, measurement of auxin transport in protoplasts, and direct quantification of free auxin levels suggest these irregularities are caused by misregulation of ABCB19-mediated auxin distribution in addition to light-dependent auxin biosynthesis.