We have previously reported the isolation of root-specific cDNA clone PVR5, encoding proline-rich 14 kDa protein. In this report, we examined the effects of brassinosteroids on the expression of this gene in the root of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seedlings. Submicromolar concentration of brassinosteroids inhibited primary root elongation and evoked root curvature while stimulated hypocotyl elongation. These effects of brassinosteroids on the growth of bean seedlings were increased at high brassinosteroid concentration. The treatment of 1 μM brassinosteroid for 48 hours caused a 27.8% inhibition of primary root elongation, and 58.7% decrease of root fresh weight. According to northern blot analysis, 1 μM brassinosteroid treatment inhibited the accumulation of PVR5 mRNA, PVR5 mRNA accumulation was reduced apparently after 8 hours treatment, and was not detected after 24 hours treatment.