SHORT-ROOT Stabilizes PHOSPHATE1 to Regulate Phosphate Allocation in Arabidopsis

Abstract Coordinated distribution of Pi between roots and shoots is an important process that plants use to maintain Pi homeostasis. SHR (SHORT-ROOT) is well-characterized for its function in root radial patterning1-3. Here, we demonstrate a new role of SHR in controlling phosphate (Pi) allocation from roots to shoots by regulating PHOSPHATE1 (PHO1) in the root differentiation zone. We recovered a weak mutant allele of SHR in Arabidopsis which accumulates much less Pi in the shoot and shows constitutive Pi starvation response (PSR) under Pi-sufficient condition. Besides, Pi starvation suppresses SHR protein accumulation and releases its inhibition on the HD-ZIP Ⅲ transcription factor PHB. PHB accumulates and directly binds the promoter of PHO2 to upregulate its transcription, resulting in PHO1 degradation in the xylem-pole pericycle cells. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism of how plants repress Pi translocation from roots to shoots in response to Pi starvation.