Root-Suppressed Phenotype of Tomato Rs Mutant is Seemingly Related to Expression of Root-Meristem-Specific Sulfotransferases

Abstract

Root development and growth are governed by a complex interplay between a plants genetic makeup and its ambient environment. In this study, we characterised a radiation-induced root-suppressed (Rs) mutant mapped on chromosome 4 of tomato. Rs seedlings had a dwarf stature, and mature plants exhibited abnormalities in their leaves, flowers, and fruits. The partial rescue of seedling root elongation by H2S donors or L-cysteine hinted that its root defect is linked to disrupted sulfur metabolism. The metabolite profiling of organs revealed altered homeostasis, analogous to that of plants subjected to sulfur starvation. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the Rs genome was replete with genetic lesions; therefore, the pleiotropic morphological abnormalities likely emanate from mutations in other genes, including those related to sulfur. Among S-related genes, two sulfotransferase genes (Solyc04g028380 and Solyc04g028390) localised on chromosome 4 showed mutations in their promoters. The expression of both sulfotransferases is confined to the root meristem, suggesting a causal connection with the suppression of root growth. These sulfotransferases belonged to a distinct subset exclusively expressed in the root meristem and were distinct from the tyrosine sulfotransferase involved in the sulfation of root growth factors. Our study suggests that a sulfur-related module, other than tyrosine sulfotransferase, may regulate root development.