Molecular framework for TIR1/AFB-Aux/IAA-dependent auxin sensing controlling adventitious rooting in Arabidopsis

In Arabidopsis thaliana, canonical auxin-dependent gene regulation is mediated by 23 transcription factors from the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) family, most of which interact with 29 auxin/indole acetic acid (Aux/IAA) repressors, themselves forming, in the presence of auxin, coreceptor complexes with one of six TRANSPORT INHIBITOR1/AUXIN-SIGNALLING F-BOX PROTEINS (TIR1/AFB). Different combinations of co-receptors drive specific sensing outputs, allowing auxin to control a myriad of processes. Considerable efforts have been made to discern the temporal and spatial specificity of auxin action. However, owing to a lack of obvious phenotype in single loss-of-function mutants in Aux/IAA genes, most genetic studies have relied on gain-of-function mutants, which are highly pleiotropic. In this article, we describe a molecular framework for the role of several members of the auxin sensing machinery. Using loss-of-function mutants, we demonstrate that TIR1 and AFB2 are positive regulators, whereas IAA6, IAA9 and IAA17 are negative regulators of adventitious root (AR) formation. The three Aux/IAA proteins interact with ARF6 and/or ARF8, which we have previously shown to be positive regulators of AR formation upstream of jasmonate, and likely repress their activity. Our data also suggest a dual role for TIR1 in the control of JA biosynthesis and conjugation, as revealed by upregulation of several JA biosynthesis genes in the tir1-1 mutant. In conclusion, we propose that in the presence of auxin, TIR1 and AFB2 form specific sensing complexes with IAA6, IAA9 and/or IAA17 that modulate JA homeostasis to control AR initiation.