The AtMYB11 gene from Arabidopsis is expressed in meristematic cells and modulates growth in planta and organogenesis in vitro

In plants, MYB transcription factors play important roles in many developmental processes including cell cycle progression, cell differentiation and lateral organ polarity. Here we show that the R2R3-MYB AtMYB11 gene is expressed in root and shoot meristems and also in young still meristematic leaf and flower primordia of Arabidopsis. Knock-out atmyb11-I mutants and RNAi plants germinate faster, show a faster hypocotyl and primary root elongation, develop more lateral and adventitious roots, show faster development of inflorescence, and initiate more lateral inflorescences and fruits than wild-type plants. The opposite phenotype was displayed by plants overexpressing AtMYB11. De novo formation of root meristemoids, and consequently macroscopic roots, from thin cell layers cultured in vitro was enhanced in explants from atmyb11-I and reduced in those from lines overexpressing AtMYB11. These findings indicate that AtMYB11 modulates overall growth in plants by reducing the proliferation activity of meristematic cells and delaying plant development.