A new model of stomatal function
Lead Research Organisation:
John Innes Centre
Department Name: Computational and Systems Biology
Abstract
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Technical Summary
Stomata play a central role in controlling plant water use efficiency. Although it has long been accepted that the guard cells (GCs) play a key role in controlling pore aperture via reversible swelling and deflation, a direct role of the neighbouring epidermal cells (NCs) surrounding the GCs has been little considered, with most work suggesting a passive role in resisting guard cell expansion. Our recent data suggest that the NCs play a direct, active role to set the extent of stomatal pore opening/closure. Our data also reveal concomitant specific shape changes in the guard cells, suggesting that the full opening/closure of stomata depends on the combined action of the GCs and NCs. These data necessitate a re-assessment of our understanding of the mechanics of stomatal opening/closure at a tissue level.
Using Arabidopsis, we will perform a series of experiments to test the hypotheses that (a) our observations on NC and GC size and shape change in response to CO2 and ABA reflect a general response to triggers for stomatal opening/closure (b) NC size and shape changes play a functional role in stomatal opening/closure (c) the observed changes in GC cross-sectional shape are required for full opening/closure of the stomatal pore.
To achieve these aims we will use a combination of confocal imaging with computational techniques to create finite element method models encompassing both GCs and NCs. These will allow quantification of change in cell size and shape in living tissue as it responds to triggers, and provide an insight into the mechanical properties of the cells and tissues which allow the observed changes in size and shape to occur. We will use a range of extant and newly engineered mutants in stomatal signalling and cell wall structure to test the hypothesis that combined changes in GC and NC size and shape underpin the mechanics of stomatal opening/closure.
These data will provide a new insight into the fundamental mechanism of stomatal function.
Using Arabidopsis, we will perform a series of experiments to test the hypotheses that (a) our observations on NC and GC size and shape change in response to CO2 and ABA reflect a general response to triggers for stomatal opening/closure (b) NC size and shape changes play a functional role in stomatal opening/closure (c) the observed changes in GC cross-sectional shape are required for full opening/closure of the stomatal pore.
To achieve these aims we will use a combination of confocal imaging with computational techniques to create finite element method models encompassing both GCs and NCs. These will allow quantification of change in cell size and shape in living tissue as it responds to triggers, and provide an insight into the mechanical properties of the cells and tissues which allow the observed changes in size and shape to occur. We will use a range of extant and newly engineered mutants in stomatal signalling and cell wall structure to test the hypothesis that combined changes in GC and NC size and shape underpin the mechanics of stomatal opening/closure.
These data will provide a new insight into the fundamental mechanism of stomatal function.