Modulation of <i>AtPIP2;5</i> expression regulates root suberin synthesis and composition

Root water uptake proceeds along both symplastic and apoplastic pathways.Aquaporins facilitate cellto-cell water transport, while suberization can hinder water flow through the apoplastic pathway.The increased root suberization observed in Arabidopsis plants overexpressing the AtPIP2;5 aquaporin, along with the reduced suberin content in the atpip2;5 knockout mutant, suggests that the relative contributions of both pathways to overall root water uptake can be coordinately regulated.Analyses of suberin monomer components revealed significant changes in C 16 and C 181 ,-diacids, alongside C 181 and C 22 -hydroxy acids, in AtPIP2;5-overexpressing plants compared to control plants (Arabidopsis thaliana, ecotype Col-0).These findings demonstrate a quantitative relationship between AtPIP2;5 expression and root suberization, indicating potential compensatory mechanisms between transcellular and apoplastic water-transport routes.