Research on Patricio Pérez-Henríquez

Epidermis Growth

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Decoding the biomechanical and signaling rules that shape plant epidermal cells.

This project explores how plants coordinate complex shapes in their outer protective layer, the epidermis. Using Arabidopsis pavement cells as a model, we discovered that auxin acts as a hierarchical signal: a global auxin flow establishes a “blueprint” across the tissue, while local auxin signaling drives the interdigitation (puzzle-piece shape) of individual cells.

We recently identified that this local shaping is initiated by auxin signaling rather than mechanical stress, fundamentally shifting our understanding of plant morphogenesis. Extending this to the root, my work on WALLFLOWER (WFL) reveals how polarized receptor kinases modify cell wall properties to control anisotropic growth. Together, these studies explain how plants generate robust yet plastic epidermal patterns during organ growth.

Protein Trafficking and Organogenesis

Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Elucidating the role of endomembrane trafficking in specifying cell fate and organ architecture.

Organogenesis requires precise control over cell division and identity. My research highlights the critical role of endocytic trafficking in these processes, specifically in the formation of lateral roots. We discovered a novel mechanism where endocytic trafficking to the vacuole triggers Lateral Root Founder Cell (LRFC) specification upstream of—and distinct from—the canonical auxin signaling pathway.

In parallel, we study how directional signaling regulates cell division orientation in the root meristem. By investigating the INFLORESCENCE AND ROOT APICES RECEPTOR KINASE (IRK), we are mapping how receptor localization determines the plane of cell division in the endodermis. This project emphasizes that the movement of proteins (trafficking) is just as important as the proteins themselves in defining plant architecture.

Cell-surface signals

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Away from traditional views where plant signaling occurs mainly in the nucleus, we have shown in different cell types and thorugh differente molecular players that signal perception at cell surface is crucial to coordinate complex pattern formation programs.

In the flat and interdifitated cells of the leaf epidermis, we showed that surface proteins act as co-receptors to perceive extracellular signals, including auxin via ABP1/ABLs and TMKs co-receptors. This perception can be enhance through the formation of membrane nanodomains, triggering rapid intra-cellular responses independent of transcriptional changes.

Chemical Biology

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Using small bioactive molecules to probe complex biological systems and develop new biotechnological tools.

This project utilizes chemical genomics to bypass the limitations of traditional genetics (such as gene redundancy or lethality). We have successfully used bioactive molecules like Sortin2 to transiently perturb endomembrane trafficking, allowing us to dissect rapid dynamic processes in real-time and trigger organogenesis.

Beyond basic research, we apply these chemical tools to translational contexts. For example, we identified iron chelators capable of regenerating neuritic trees in dopaminergic neurons, offering potential therapeutic avenues for Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, we worked on translating chemical information from model systems (yeast and Arabidopsis) to agricultural crops, developing “agrochemicals” that can modulate plant growth and stress resilience.