Unlocking intercellular channels from cell wall biology to biophysics
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Ctr for Plant Sciences
Abstract
Background
Plasmodesmata (PD) are the only intercellular channels linking the interiors of plant cells. PD allow cell-to-cell diffusion of small molecular weight factors such as hormones but are also regulated to control the movement of transcription factors and nucleic acids that are central to developmental events. PD extends across adjacent primary cell walls which offer physical constrictions on channel aperture by means of the cell wall glycan callose.
Objectives
This proposal aim to dissect the structures and functions of architectural components of cell walls around PD.
We will investigate how the cell wall glycan callose at the neck of PD is both integrated with the surrounding cell wall molecular architectures involving pectins, xyloglucans and cellulose microfibrils and also how modulations of callose levels (known to impact on PD transport) are orchestrated with the surrounding cell wall glycans to control PD mechanical properties.
Novelty and Timeliness
The project will identify novel cell wall components that contribute to PD regulation (together with callose). This knowledge will contribute to our understanding of the role of cell walls in regulating intercellular communication and signalling and highlight new targets that, in the long term, could be used to manipulate the transport of mobile proteins and RNAs opening applications in agriculture and crop development. Another aspect of the work will identify interactions between cell wall glycans that contribute to PD formation and function and that can also be involved in regulating the mechanical properties of these channels. Knowledge on interactions between cell wall glycans can be further exploited in the improvement or new development of biomimetic composites using cell wall polymers as raw materials
Experimental approaches:
-Immunolocalization
-Transport assays
- ELISA and epitope detection chromatography or EDC
- Mechanical testing in plant cell walls
Plasmodesmata (PD) are the only intercellular channels linking the interiors of plant cells. PD allow cell-to-cell diffusion of small molecular weight factors such as hormones but are also regulated to control the movement of transcription factors and nucleic acids that are central to developmental events. PD extends across adjacent primary cell walls which offer physical constrictions on channel aperture by means of the cell wall glycan callose.
Objectives
This proposal aim to dissect the structures and functions of architectural components of cell walls around PD.
We will investigate how the cell wall glycan callose at the neck of PD is both integrated with the surrounding cell wall molecular architectures involving pectins, xyloglucans and cellulose microfibrils and also how modulations of callose levels (known to impact on PD transport) are orchestrated with the surrounding cell wall glycans to control PD mechanical properties.
Novelty and Timeliness
The project will identify novel cell wall components that contribute to PD regulation (together with callose). This knowledge will contribute to our understanding of the role of cell walls in regulating intercellular communication and signalling and highlight new targets that, in the long term, could be used to manipulate the transport of mobile proteins and RNAs opening applications in agriculture and crop development. Another aspect of the work will identify interactions between cell wall glycans that contribute to PD formation and function and that can also be involved in regulating the mechanical properties of these channels. Knowledge on interactions between cell wall glycans can be further exploited in the improvement or new development of biomimetic composites using cell wall polymers as raw materials
Experimental approaches:
-Immunolocalization
-Transport assays
- ELISA and epitope detection chromatography or EDC
- Mechanical testing in plant cell walls
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso (Primary Supervisor) |
Publications
Amsbury S
(2017)
Emerging models on the regulation of intercellular transport by plasmodesmata-associated callose.
in Journal of experimental botany
Gaudioso-Pedraza R
(2018)
Callose-Regulated Symplastic Communication Coordinates Symbiotic Root Nodule Development.
in Current biology : CB
Grison MS
(2019)
Plasma Membrane-Associated Receptor-like Kinases Relocalize to Plasmodesmata in Response to Osmotic Stress.
in Plant physiology
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/M011151/1 | 30/09/2015 | 29/09/2023 | |||
1774765 | Studentship | BB/M011151/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/04/2021 |
Description | Public seminar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I gave a seminar at Sheffield botanical gardens to the general public, mainly supporters of the gardens. No outcomes were measured apart from that I was asked to write an article for the gardens magazine but I am sure that the people who attended this mini symposium left with a greater understanding of the kind of work that is done is a plant science faculty. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |