High-throughput imaging of plant immune responses

Quantitative Analysis of Ligand-Induced Endocytosis of FLAGELLIN-SENSING 2 Using Automated Image Segmentation

Plants are equipped with a suite of plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that must be properly trafficked to and from the plasma membrane (PM), which serves as the host-pathogen interface, for robust detection of invading pathogenic microbes. Recognition of bacterial flagellin, or the derived peptide flg22, is facilitated by the PM-localized PRR, FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 (FLS2). Upon flg22 binding, FLS2 is rapidly internalized from the PM into endosomal compartments and subsequently degraded. To understand better the integration of FLS2 endocytosis and signaling outputs, we developed methods for the quantitative analysis of FLS2 trafficking using freely available bioimage informatic tools. Emphasis was placed on robust recognition of features and ease of access for users. Using the free and open-source software Fiji (Fiji is just ImageJ) and Trainable Weka Segmentation (TWS) plug-in, we developed a workflow for the automated identification of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged FLS2 in endosomal puncta. Fiji-TWS methods can be adapted with ease for the analysis of FLS2 trafficking in various genetic backgrounds as well as for the endocytic regulation of diverse plant PRRs.

Plant chemical biology: are we meeting the promise?

As an early adopter of plant chemical genetics to the study of endomembrane trafficking, we have observed the growth of small molecule approaches. Within the field, we often describe the strengths of the approach in a broad, generic manner, such as the ability to address redundancy and lethality. But, we are now in a much better position to evaluate the demonstrated value of the approach based on examples. In this perspective, we offer an assessment of chemical genetics in plants and where its applications may be of particular utility from the perspective of the cell biologist. Beyond this, we suggest areas to be addressed to provide broader access and enhance the effectiveness of small molecule approaches in plant biology.