Unlocking Plant Intercellular Channels: Integrating cell wall biology and polymer physics

Abstract - Plasmodesmata are channels that allow diffusion of molecules from one cell to another. Their function is crucial, influencing key processes such as organ formation, meristem maintenance, response to pathogens and vascular transport. They are found embedded in cell wall microdomains, which constrict channel apertures to determine the size of molecules able to pass through. These cell wall microdomains differ structurally from primary cell wall matrices and are locally modified by metabolic enzymes to dynamically control intercellular communication in response to developmental and environmental cues. Our research project investigates the structural, physical and mechanical parameters that underpin the regulatory function of cell walls surrounding plasmodesmata. The work has produced new insights on the properties and regulation of the beta 1,3 glucan polymer callose, a minor component of primary cell walls but a key regulator of plasmodesmata communication and of cell responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.Another aspect of the work is to identify interactions between cell wall glycans that contribute to plasmodesmata regulation and that can be exploited in the development of new natural composite materials for a variety of applications.

Host: Leonardo Gomez