Distinct mechanisms orchestrate the contra-polarity of IRK and KOIN, two LRR-receptor-kinases controlling root cell division

In plants, cell polarity plays key roles in coordinating developmental processes. Despite the characterization of several polarly localized plasma membrane proteins, the mechanisms connecting protein dynamics with cellular functions often remain unclear. Here, we introduce a polarized receptor, KOIN, that restricts cell divisions in the Arabidopsis root meristem. In the endodermis, KOIN polarity is opposite to IRK, a receptor that represses endodermal cell divisions. Their contra-polar localization facilitates dissection of polarity mechanisms and the links between polarity and function. We find that IRK and KOIN are recognized, sorted, and secreted through distinct pathways. IRK extracellular domains determine its polarity and partially rescue the mutant phenotype, whereas KOIN’s extracellular domains are insufficient for polar sorting and function. Endodermal expression of an IRK/KOIN chimera generates non-cell-autonomous misregulation of root cell divisions that impacts patterning. Altogether, we reveal two contrasting mechanisms determining these receptors’ polarity and link their polarity to cell divisions in root tissue patterning.