A novel type of phytosulfokine, PSK-ε, positively regulates root elongation and formation of lateral roots and root nodules in .

Phytosulfokines (PSKs) are a class of tyrosine-sulfated pentapeptides. PSK-α, PSK-γ, and PSK-δ are three reported PSK members involved in regulating plant growth, development, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we reported a novel type of PSK, PSK-ε with the sequence YVYTN, and its precursor proteins (MtPSKε, LjPSKε, and GmPSKε), specifically from legume species. PSK-ε peptide differs from PSK-δ by one amino acid and is close to PSK-δ in the phylogenetic relationship. Expression profile analysis showed that was highly expressed in roots, especially in root tips and emerged lateral roots. Application of the synthetic sulfated PSK-ε peptide and overexpression of significantly promoted root elongation and increased lateral root number, probably by inducing cell division and expansion in roots. Furthermore, expression was induced by rhizobia infection and was detected in root nodules including nodule primordia. Both PSK-ε peptide treatment and overexpression significantly increased nodule number in . Taken together, these results demonstrate that PSK-ε, a novel type of phytosulfokine, positively regulates root elongation and formation of lateral root and root nodule in .