Phaseolus vulgaris NLP5 gene is involved in lateral root formation

Lateral roots (LRs) are crucial for plants to explore their underground environment and acquire water and nutrients. The development of lateral roots is controlled by various transcription factors (TFs), including the auxin-regulated Auxin Response Factor (ARF) family and the hormone auxin. NIN-like proteins (NLPs), specifically NLP7 and NLP8, are already known to promote lateral root formation in a nitrate-dependent manner. We present evidence for the activation of the PvNLP5 promoter, beginning with the stimulation of the pericycle and culminating in the emergence of lateral roots from the primary root in Phaseolus vulgaris. Aditionally, RNAi mediated downregulation of PvNLP5 transcript resulted in an 80% reduction in LR density. This regulation is likely mediated by auxin-responsive elements in the promoter region of PvNLP5, highlighting its critical role in LR development in P. vulgaris.