Divided by fate: The interplay between division orientation and cell shape underlying lateral root initiation in Arabidopsis

The development of lateral roots starts with a round of anti-clinal, asymmetric cell divisions in lateral root founder cells in the pericycle, deep within the root. The reorientation of the cell division plane occurs in parallel with changes in cell shape and needs to be coordinated with its direct neighbor, the endo-dermis. This accommodation response requires the integration of biochemical and mechanical signals in both cell types. Recently, it was reported that dynamic changes in the cyto-skeleton and possibly the cell wall are part of the molecular mechanism required to correctly orient and position the cell division plane. Here we discuss the latest progress made to-wards our understanding of the regulation of cell shape and division plane orientation underlying lateral root initiation in