ROP signaling regulates spatial pattern of cell division and specification of meristem notch.

The formation of cell polarity is essential for many developmental processes such as polar cell growth and spatial patterning of cell division. A plant-specific ROP (h-like GTPases from lants) subfamily of conserved Rho GTPase plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell polarity. However, the functional study of ROPs in angiosperm is challenging because of their functional redundancy. The genome encodes a single gene, Mp, providing an excellent genetic system to study ROP-dependent signaling pathways. Mp knockout mutants exhibited rhizoid growth defects, and MpROP was localized at the tip of elongating rhizoids, establishing a role for MpROP in the control of polar cell growth and its functional conservation in plants. Furthermore, the Mp knockout mutant showed defects in the formation of meristem notches associated with disorganized cell division patterns. These results reveal a critical function of Mp in the regulation of plant development. Interestingly, these phenotypes were complemented not only by Mp but also At, supporting the conservation of ROP's function among land plants. Our results demonstrate a great potential for as a powerful genetic system for functional and mechanistic elucidation of ROP signaling pathways during plant development.