Callose homeostasis at plasmodesmata: molecular regulators and developmental relevance

Silence is not always golden: A closer look at potential environmental and ecotoxicological impacts of large-scale dsRNA application

RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as a pivotal strategy in sustainable pest management, offering a targeted approach that significantly mitigates the environmental and health risks associated with traditional insecticides. Originally implemented through genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to produce specific RNAi constructs, the technology has evolved in response to public and regulatory concerns over GMOs. This evolution has spurred the development of non-transgenic RNAi applications such as spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which employs double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to silence pest genes directly without altering the plant's genetic makeup. Despite its advantages in specificity and reduced ecological footprint, SIGS faces significant obstacles, particularly the instability of dsRNA in field conditions, which limits its practical efficacy. To overcome these limitations, innovative delivery mechanisms have been developed. These include nanotechnology-based systems, minicells, and nanovesicles, which are designed to protect dsRNA from degradation and enhance its delivery to target organisms. While these advancements have improved the stability and application efficiency of dsRNA, comprehensive assessments of their environmental safety and the potential for increased exposure risks to non-target organisms remain incomplete. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the environmental fate of dsRNA and evaluate the potential risks associated with its widespread application on non-target organisms, encompassing soil microorganisms, beneficial insects, host plants, and mammals. The objective is to establish a more refined framework for RNAi risk assessment within environmental and ecotoxicological contexts, thereby fostering the development of safer, non-transgenic RNAi-based pest control strategies.

PLASMODESMATA-LOCATED PROTEIN 6 regulates plasmodesmal function in Arabidopsis vasculature

Plasmodesmata connect adjoining plant cells, allowing molecules to move between the connected cells for communication and sharing resources. It has been well established that the plant polysaccharide callose is deposited at plasmodesmata, regulating their aperture and function. Among proteins involved in maintaining callose homeostasis, PLASMODESMATA-LOCATED PROTEINSs (PDLPs) promote callose deposition at plasmodesmata. This study explored the function of PDLP5 and PDLP6 in different cell types. We discovered that PDLP5 and PDLP6 are expressed in nonoverlapping cell types in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The overexpression of PDLP5 and PDLP6 results in the overaccumulation of plasmodesmal callose at different cell interfaces, indicating that PDLP5 and PDLP6 are active in different cell types. We also observed 2 distinct patterns of starch accumulation in mature leaves of PDLP5 and PDLP6 overexpressors. An enzyme-catalyzed proximity labeling approach was used to identify putative functional partners of the PDLPs. We identified SUCROSE SYNTHASE 6 (SUS6) as a functional partner of PDLP6 in the vasculature. We further demonstrated that PDLP6 physically and genetically interacts with SUS6. In addition, CALLOSE SYNTHASE 7 (CALS7) physically interacts with SUS6 and PDLP6. Genetic interaction studies showed that CALS7 is required for PDLP6 function. We propose that PDLP6 functions with SUS6 and CALS7 in the vasculature to regulate plasmodesmal function.

A coordinated switch in sucrose and callose metabolism enables enhanced symplastic unloading in potato tubers

One of the early changes upon tuber induction is the switch from apoplastic to symplastic unloading. Whether and how this change in unloading mode contributes to sink strength has remained unclear. In addition, developing tubers also change from energy to storage-based sucrose metabolism. Here, we investigated the coordination between changes in unloading mode and sucrose metabolism and their relative role in tuber sink strength by looking into callose and sucrose metabolism gene expression combined with a model of apoplastic and symplastic unloading. Gene expression analysis suggests that callose deposition in tubers is decreased by lower callose synthase expression. Furthermore, changes in callose and sucrose metabolism are strongly correlated, indicating a well-coordinated developmental switch. Modelling indicates that symplastic unloading is not the most efficient unloading mode per se. Instead, it is the concurrent metabolic switch that provides the physiological conditions necessary to potentiate symplastic transport and thereby enhance tuber sink strength .

The knowns and unknowns of callose biosynthesis in terrestrial plants

Callose, a linear (1,3)-β-glucan, is an indispensable carbohydrate polymer required for plant growth and development. Advances in biochemical, genetic, and genomic tools, along with specific antibodies, have significantly enhanced our understanding of callose biosynthesis. As additional components of the callose synthase machinery emerge, the elucidation of molecular biosynthetic mechanisms is expected to follow. Short-term objectives involve defining the stoichiometry and turnover rates of callose synthase subunits. Long-term goals include generating recombinant callose synthases to elucidate their biochemical properties and molecular mechanisms, potentially culminating in the determination of callose synthase three-dimensional structure. This review delves into the structures and intricate molecular processes underlying callose biosynthesis, emphasizing regulatory elements and assembly mechanisms.

Control of phloem unloading and root development

Root growth and development need proper carbon partitioning between sources and sinks. Photosynthesis products are unloaded from the phloem and enter the root meristem cell by cell. While sugar transporters play a major role in phloem loading, phloem unloading occurs via the plasmodesmata in growing root tips. The aperture and permeability of plasmodesmata strongly influence symplastic unloading. Recent research has dissected the symplastic path for phloem unloading and identified several genes that regulate phloem unloading in the root. Callose turnover and membrane lipid composition alter the shape of plasmodesmata, allowing fine-tuning to adapt phloem unloading to the environmental and developmental conditions. Unloaded sugars act both as an energy supply and as signals to coordinate root growth and development. Increased knowledge of how phloem unloading is regulated enhances our understanding of carbon allocation in plants. In the future, it may be possible to modulate carbon allocation between sources and sinks in a manner that would contribute to increased plant biomass and carbon fixation.

Discontinuous Translocation of a Luciferase Protein beyond Graft Junction in Tobacco

Transgrafting, a grafting technique that uses both genetically modified (GM) and non-GM plants, is a novel plant breeding technology that can be used to improve the efficiency of crop cultivation without introducing foreign genes into the edible parts of non-GM plants. This technique can facilitate the acquisition of disease resistance and/or increased yield. However, the translocation of low-molecular-weight compounds, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and proteins through graft junctions raises a potential safety risk for food crops. Here, we used a transgenic tobacco plant expressing a firefly luciferase gene (LUC) to examine the translocation of the LUC protein beyond the graft junction in grafted plants. We observed the bi-directional translocation of LUC proteins in transgrafted tobacco plants, i.e., from the rootstock to scion and vice versa. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that transcripts of the LUC gene were undetectable in non-GM plant bodies, indicating that the LUC protein itself was translocated. Moreover, the movement of the LUC protein is an episodic (i.e., non-continuous) event, since non-GM samples showing high LUC activity were flanked by non-GM samples showing no apparent LUC activity. Translocation from the GM to non-GM part depends on the characteristics of GM plant bodies; here, the enhanced translocation of the LUC protein into the non-GM scion was observed when LUC-expressing rootstocks with hairy roots were used. Moreover, the quantity of translocated LUC protein was far below the level that is generally required to induce an allergenic response. Finally, since the LUC protein levels of plants used for transgrafting are moderate and the LUC protein itself is relatively unstable, further investigation is necessary regarding whether the newly expressed protein in GM plants is highly stable, easily translocated, and/or highly expressed.

IAA-miR164a-NAC100L1 module mediates symbiotic incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted seedlings through regulating callose deposition

Grafting is one of the key technologies to overcome the obstacles of continuous cropping, and improve crop yield and quality. However, the symbiotic incompatibility between rootstock and scion affects the normal growth and development of grafted seedlings after survival. The specific molecular regulation mechanism of graft incompatibility is still largely unclear. In this study, we found that the IAA-miR164a-NAC100L1 module induced callose deposition to mediate the symbiotic incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted seedlings. The incompatible combination (IG) grafting interface accumulated more callose, and the activity of callose synthase (CmCalS1) and IAA content were significantly higher than in the compatible combination (CG). Treatment with IAA polar transport inhibitor in the root of the IG plants decreased CmCalS activity and callose content. Furthermore, IAA negatively regulated the expression of Cm-miR164a, which directly targeted cleavage of CmNAC100L1. Interestingly, CmNAC100L1 interacted with CmCalS1 to regulate its activity. Further analysis showed that the interaction between CmNAC100L1 and CmCalS1 increased the activity of CmCalS1 in the IG plants but decreased it in the CG plants. Point mutation analysis revealed that threonine at the 57th position of CmCalS1 protein played a critical role to maintain its enzyme activity in the incompatible rootstock. Thus, IAA inhibited the expression of Cm-miR164a to elevate the expression of CmNAC100L1, which promoted CmNAC100L1 interaction with CmCalS1 to enhance CmCalS1 activity, resulting in callose deposition and symbiotic incompatibility of cucumber/pumpkin grafted seedlings.

Spatiotemporal deposition of cell wall polysaccharides in oat endosperm during grain development

Oat (Avena sativa) is a cereal crop whose grains are rich in (1,3;1,4)-β-D-glucan (mixed-linkage glucan or MLG), a soluble dietary fiber. In our study, we analyzed oat endosperm development in 2 Canadian varieties with differing MLG content and nutritional value. We confirmed that oat undergoes a nuclear type of endosperm development but with a shorter cellularization phase than barley (Hordeum vulgare). Callose and cellulose were the first polysaccharides to be detected in the early anticlinal cell walls at 11 days postemergence (DPE) of the panicle. Other polysaccharides such as heteromannan and homogalacturonan were deposited early in cellularization around 12 DPE after the first periclinal walls are laid down. In contrast to barley, heteroxylan deposition coincided with completion of cellularization and was detected from 14 DPE but was only detectable after demasking. Notably, MLG was the last polysaccharide to be laid down at 18 DPE within the differentiation phase, rather than during cellularization. In addition, differences in the spatiotemporal patterning of MLG were also observed between the 2 varieties. The lower MLG-containing cultivar AC Morgan (3.5% w/w groats) was marked by the presence of a discontinuous pattern of MLG labeling, while labeling in the same walls in CDC Morrison (5.6% w/w groats) was mostly even and continuous. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed higher transcript levels of multiple MLG biosynthetic cellulose synthase-like F (CSLF) and CSLH genes during grain development in CDC Morrison compared with AC Morgan that likely contributes to the increased abundance of MLG at maturity in CDC Morrison. CDC Morrison was also observed to have smaller endosperm cells with thicker walls than AC Morgan from cellularization onwards, suggesting the processes controlling cell size and shape are established early in development. This study has highlighted that the molecular processes influencing MLG content and deposition are more complex than previously imagined.

PbPDCB16-mediated callose deposition affects the plasmodesmata blockage and reduces lignification in pear fruit

Stone cell, a type of lignified cell, is a unique trait in pear and one of the key factors affects pear fruit quality and economic value. The transmissibility of cell lignification process has been proven to exist, however the effects of callose on the permeability of plasmodesmata (PD) and how to influence cell lignification processes are still unknown. In this study, the genome-wide analysis of PD callose binding proteins (PDCB) gene family in pear genome was performed, and 25 PbPDCB genes were identified and divided into four branches. Similar intron/exon structural patterns were observed in the same branch, strongly supporting their close evolutionary relationship. The expression of PbPDCB16 was negatively correlated with lignin accumulation through qRT-PCR analysis. With transient expression in pear fruit and stable expression in pear calli, the increased callose content accompanied by decreased lignin content was further observed. Besides, compared with wild type Arabidopsis, the transgenic plants grew slowly, and cell walls in the stem were thinner, while fewer PDs were observed on the cell walls, and the interspore filaments were also blocked in transgenic Arabidopsis through the transmission electron microscope (TEM). In summary, overexpression of PbPDCB16 could promote accumulation of callose at PD to affect the PD-mediated intercellular connectivity, and inhibit the intercellular communication. This study will provide new insight in reducing the lignin content through callose deposition, and also provide the theoretical basis for further exploration of lignin metabolism and cell wall lignification to form stone cells in pear fruit.

Plasmodesmata callose binding protein 2 contributes to the regulation of cambium/phloem formation and auxin response during the tissue reunion process in incised Arabidopsis stem

Plants are exposed to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, including wounding at the stem. The healing process (tissue reunion) begins immediately after stem wounding. The plant hormone auxin plays an important role during tissue reunion. In decapitated stems, auxin transport from the shoot apex is reduced and tissue reunion does not occur but is restored by application of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In this study, we found that plasmodesmata callose binding protein 2 (PDCB2) affects the expansion of the cambium/phloem region via changes in auxin response during the process of tissue reunion. PDCB2 was expressed in the cortex and endodermis on the incised side of stems 1-3 days after incision. PDCB2-knockout plants showed reduced callose deposition at plasmodesmata and DR5::GUS activity in the endodermis/cortex in the upper region of the incision accompanied by an increase in size of the cambium/phloem region during tissue reunion. In addition, PIN(PIN-FORMED)3, which is involved in lateral auxin transport, was induced by auxin in the cambium/phloem and endodermis/cortex in the upper part of the incision in wild type, but its expression of PIN3 was decreased in pdcb2 mutant. Our results suggest that PDCB2 contributes to the regulation of cambium/phloem development via auxin response.

dsRNA-induced immunity targets plasmodesmata and is suppressed by viral movement proteins

Emerging evidence indicates that in addition to its well-recognized functions in antiviral RNA silencing, dsRNA elicits pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), likely contributing to plant resistance against virus infections. However, compared to bacterial and fungal elicitor-mediated PTI, the mode-of-action and signaling pathway of dsRNA-induced defense remain poorly characterized. Here, using multicolor in vivo imaging, analysis of GFP mobility, callose staining, and plasmodesmal marker lines in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana, we show that dsRNA-induced PTI restricts the progression of virus infection by triggering callose deposition at plasmodesmata, thereby likely limiting the macromolecular transport through these cell-to-cell communication channels. The plasma membrane-resident SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE 1, the BOTRYTIS INDUCED KINASE1/AVRPPHB SUSCEPTIBLE1-LIKE KINASE1 kinase module, PLASMODESMATA-LOCATED PROTEINs 1/2/3, as well as CALMODULIN-LIKE 41 and Ca2+ signals are involved in the dsRNA-induced signaling leading to callose deposition at plasmodesmata and antiviral defense. Unlike the classical bacterial elicitor flagellin, dsRNA does not trigger a detectable reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, substantiating the idea that different microbial patterns trigger partially shared immune signaling frameworks with distinct features. Likely as a counter strategy, viral movement proteins from different viruses suppress the dsRNA-induced host response leading to callose deposition to achieve infection. Thus, our data support a model in which plant immune signaling constrains virus movement by inducing callose deposition at plasmodesmata and reveals how viruses counteract this layer of immunity.

Multiscale Asymptotic Analysis Reveals How Cell Growth and Subcellular Compartments Affect Tissue-Scale Hormone Transport

Determining how cell-scale processes lead to tissue-scale patterns is key to understanding how hormones and morphogens are distributed within biological tissues and control developmental processes. In this article, we use multiscale asymptotic analysis to derive a continuum approximation for hormone transport in a long file of cells to determine how subcellular compartments and cell growth and division affect tissue-scale hormone transport. Focusing our study on plant tissues, we begin by presenting a discrete multicellular ODE model tracking the hormone concentration in each cell's cytoplasm, subcellular vacuole, and surrounding apoplast, represented by separate compartments in the cell-file geometry. We allow the cells to grow at a rate that can depend both on space and time, accounting for both cytoplasmic and vacuolar expansion. Multiscale asymptotic analysis enables us to systematically derive the corresponding continuum model, obtaining an effective reaction-advection-diffusion equation and revealing how the effective diffusivity, effective advective velocity, and the effective sink term depend on the parameters in the cell-scale model. The continuum approximation reveals how subcellular compartments, such as vacuoles, can act as storage vessels, that significantly alter the effective properties of hormone transport, such as the effective diffusivity and the induced effective velocity. Furthermore, we show how cell growth and spatial variance across cell lengths affect the effective diffusivity and the induced effective velocity, and how these affect the tissue-scale hormone distribution. In particular, we find that cell growth naturally induces an effective velocity in the direction of growth, whereas spatial variance across cell lengths induces effective velocity due to the presence of an extra compartment, such as the apoplast and the vacuole, and variations in the relative sizes between the compartments across the file of cells. It is revealed that hormone transport is faster across cells of decreasing lengths than cells with increasing lengths. We also investigate the effect of cell division on transport dynamics, assuming that each cell divides as soon as it doubles in size, and find that increasing the time between successive cell divisions decreases the growth rate, which enhances the effect of cell division in slowing hormone transport. Motivated by recent experimental discoveries, we discuss particular applications for transport of gibberellic acid (GA), an important growth hormone, within the Arabidopsis root. The model reveals precisely how membrane proteins that mediate facilitated GA transport affect the effective tissue-scale transport. However, the results are general enough to be relevant to other plant hormones, or other substances that are transported in a similar way in any type of cells.

Geminiviral C4/AC4 proteins: An emerging component of the viral arsenal against plant defence

Virus infection triggers a plethora of defence reactions in plants to incapacitate the intruder. Viruses, in turn, have added additional functions to their genes so that they acquire capabilities to neutralize the above defence reactions. In plant-infecting viruses, the family Geminiviridae comprises members, majority of whom encode 6-8 genes in their small single-stranded DNA genomes. Of the above genes, one which shows the most variability in its amino acid sequence is the C4/AC4. Recent studies have uncovered evidence, which point towards a wide repertoire of functions performed by C4/AC4 revealing its role as a major player in suppressing plant defence. This review summarizes the various plant defence mechanisms against viruses and highlights how C4/AC4 has evolved to counter most of them.

Callose metabolism and the regulation of cell walls and plasmodesmata during plant mutualistic and pathogenic interactions

Cell walls are essential for plant growth and development, providing support and protection from external environments. Callose is a glucan that accumulates in specialized cell wall microdomains including around intercellular pores called plasmodesmata. Despite representing a small percentage of the cell wall (~0.3% in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana), callose accumulation regulates important biological processes such as phloem and pollen development, cell division, organ formation, responses to pathogenic invasion and to changes in nutrients and toxic metals in the soil. Callose accumulation modifies cell wall properties and restricts plasmodesmata aperture, affecting the transport of signaling proteins and RNA molecules that regulate plant developmental and environmental responses. Although the importance of callose, at and outside plasmodesmata cell walls, is widely recognized, the underlying mechanisms controlling changes in its synthesis and degradation are still unresolved. In this review, we explore the most recent literature addressing callose metabolism with a focus on the molecular factors affecting callose accumulation in response to mutualistic symbionts and pathogenic elicitors. We discuss commonalities in the signaling pathways, identify research gaps and highlight opportunities to target callose in the improvement of plant responses to beneficial versus pathogenic microbes.

The coiled-coil protein gene WPRb confers recessive resistance to Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is one of the major global quarantine viruses and causes severe symptoms in Cucurbit crops, particularly with regard to fruit decay. However, the genetic mechanisms that control plant resistance to CGMMV have yet to be elucidated. Here, we found that WPRb, a weak chloroplast movement under blue light 1 and plastid movement impaired 2-related protein family gene, is recessively associated with CGMMV resistance in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). We developed a reproducible marker based on a single non-synonymous substitution (G1282A) in WPRb, which can be used for marker-assisted selection for CGMMV resistance in watermelon. Editing of WPRb conferred greater tolerance to CGMMV. We found WPRb targets to the plasmodesmata (PD) and biochemically interacts with the CGMMV movement protein, facilitating viral intercellular movement by affecting the permeability of PD. Our findings enable us to genetically control CGMMV resistance in planta by using precise genome editing techniques targeted to WPRb.

Transcriptome alterations of radish shoots exposed to cadmium can be interpreted in the context of leaf senescence

Till now few transcriptome studies have described shoot responses of heavy metal (HM)-sensitive plants to excess Cd and still a unifying model of Cd action is lacking. Using RNA-seq technique, the transcriptome responses of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) leaves to Cd stress were investigated in plants raised hydroponically under control and 5.0 mg L^-1 Cd. The element was mainly accumulated in roots and led to declined biomass and photosynthetic pigments, increased H₂O₂ and lipid peroxidation, and the accumulation of sugars, protein thiols, and phytochelatins. Out of 524 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 244 and 280 upregulated and downregulated ones were assigned to 82 and 115 GO terms, respectively. The upregulated DEGs were involved in osmotic regulation, protein metabolism, chelators, and carbohydrate metabolisms, whereas downregulated DEGs were related to photosynthesis, response to oxidative stress, glucosinolate, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Our transcriptome data suggest that Cd triggers ROS production and photosynthesis decline associated with increased proteolysis through ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)- and chloroplast-proteases and in this way brings about re-mobilization of N and C stores into amino acids and sugars. Meanwhile, declined glucosinolate metabolism in favor of chelator synthesis and upregulation of dehydrins as inferred from transcriptome analysis confers shoots some tolerance to the HM-derived ionic/osmotic imbalances. Thus, the induction of leaf senescence might be a major long-term response of HM-sensitive plants to Cd toxicity.

The trans-Golgi-localized protein BICAT3 regulates manganese allocation and matrix polysaccharide biosynthesis

Manganese (Mn2+) is essential for a diversity of processes, including photosynthetic water splitting and the transfer of glycosyl moieties. Various Golgi-localized glycosyltransferases that mediate cell wall matrix polysaccharide biosynthesis are Mn2+ dependent, but the supply of these enzymes with Mn2+ is not well understood. Here, we show that the BIVALENT CATION TRANSPORTER 3 (BICAT3) localizes specifically to trans-cisternae of the Golgi. In agreement with a role in Mn2+ and Ca2+ homeostasis, BICAT3 rescued yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutants defective in their translocation. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) knockout mutants of BICAT3 were sensitive to low Mn2+ and high Ca2+ availability and showed altered accumulation of these cations. Despite reduced cell expansion and leaf size in Mn2+-deficient bicat3 mutants, their photosynthesis was improved, accompanied by an increased Mn content of chloroplasts. Growth defects of bicat3 corresponded with an impaired glycosidic composition of matrix polysaccharides synthesized in the trans-Golgi. In addition to the vegetative growth defects, pollen tube growth of bicat3 was heterogeneously aberrant. This was associated with a severely reduced and similarly heterogeneous pectin deposition and caused diminished seed set and silique length. Double mutant analyses demonstrated that the physiological relevance of BICAT3 is distinct from that of ER-TYPE CA2+-ATPASE 3, a Golgi-localized Mn2+/Ca2+-ATPase. Collectively, BICAT3 is a principal Mn2+ transporter in the trans-Golgi whose activity is critical for specific glycosylation reactions in this organelle and for the allocation of Mn2+ between Golgi apparatus and chloroplasts.

Nano-enabled agriculture: How do nanoparticles cross barriers in plants?

Nano-enabled agriculture is a topic of intense research interest. However, our knowledge of how nanoparticles enter plants, plant cells, and organelles is still insufficient. Here, we discuss the barriers that limit the efficient delivery of nanoparticles at the whole-plant and single-cell levels. Some commonly overlooked factors, such as light conditions and surface tension of applied nano-formulations, are discussed. Knowledge gaps regarding plant cell uptake of nanoparticles, such as the effect of electrochemical gradients across organelle membranes on nanoparticle delivery, are analyzed and discussed. The importance of controlling factors such as size, charge, stability, and dispersibility when properly designing nanomaterials for plants is outlined. We mainly focus on understanding how nanoparticles travel across barriers in plants and plant cells and the major factors that limit the efficient delivery of nanoparticles, promoting a better understanding of nanoparticle-plant interactions. We also provide suggestions on the design of nanomaterials for nano-enabled agriculture.

The humidity level matters during the desiccation of Norway spruce somatic embryos

In Norway spruce, as in many other conifers, the germination capacity of somatic embryos is strongly influenced by the desiccation phase inserted after maturation. The intensity of drying during desiccation eminently affected the formation of emblings (i.e., seedlings developed from somatic embryos). Compared to non-desiccated embryos, the germination capacity of embryos desiccated at 100% relative humidity was about three times higher, but the reduction of relative humidity to 95 and 90% had a negative effect on the subsequent embryo development. The water loss observed in these embryos did not lead to an increase in lipid peroxidation, as shown by malondialdehyde levels. Another metabolic pathway in plants that mediates a response to abiotic stresses is directed toward the biosynthesis of polyamines (PAs). The activities of PA biosynthetic enzymes increased steadily in embryos during desiccation at 100% relative humidity, whereas they decreased at lower humidity. The total content of free PAs in the embryos gradually decreased throughout desiccation. The increase in free putrescine (Put) and perchloric acid-insoluble Put conjugates was observed in embryos desiccated at lower humidity. These changes were accompanied to some extent by the transcription of the genes for the PA biosynthesis enzymes. Desiccation at 100% relative humidity increased the activity of the cell wall-modifying enzymes β-1,3-glucanases and chitinases; the activities of these enzymes were also significantly suppressed at reduced humidity. The same pattern was observed in the transcription of some β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase genes. Desiccation treatments triggered metabolic processes that responded to water availability, suggesting an active response of the embryo to the reduction in humidity. A positive effect was demonstrated only for desiccation at high relative humidity. Some of the physiological characteristics described can be used as markers of inappropriate relative humidity during somatic embryo desiccation.

Sphingolipids at Plasmodesmata: Structural Components and Functional Modulators

Plasmodesmata (PD) are plant-specific channels connecting adjacent cells to mediate intercellular communication of molecules essential for plant development and defense. The typical PD are organized by the close apposition of the plasma membrane (PM), the desmotubule derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and spoke-like elements linking the two membranes. The plasmodesmal PM (PD-PM) is characterized by the formation of unique microdomains enriched with sphingolipids, sterols, and specific proteins, identified by lipidomics and proteomics. These components modulate PD to adapt to the dynamic changes of developmental processes and environmental stimuli. In this review, we focus on highlighting the functions of sphingolipid species in plasmodesmata, including membrane microdomain organization, architecture transformation, callose deposition and permeability control, and signaling regulation. We also briefly discuss the difference between sphingolipids and sterols, and we propose potential unresolved questions that are of help for further understanding the correspondence between plasmodesmal structure and function.

Evidence for reduced plasmodesmata callose accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves with increased symplastic cell-to-cell communication caused by RNA processing defects of chloroplasts

RNA processing defects in chloroplasts were previously associated with increased plasmodesmata (PD) permeability. However, the underlying mechanisms for such association are still unknown. To provide insight into this, we silenced the expression of chloroplast-located INCREASED SIZE EXCLUSION LIMIT 2 (ISE2) RNA helicase in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and determined an increase in PD permeability which is caused by a reduction of PD callose deposition. Moreover, the silencing of two other nuclear genes encoding chloroplastic enzymes involved in RNA processing, RH3, and CLPR2, also increased PD permeability accompanied by reduced callose accumulation at PD. In addition, we quantified the plastidic hydrogen peroxide levels using the chloroplast-targeted fluorescent sensor, HyPer, in ISE2, RH3, and CLPR2 silenced N. benthamiana leaves. The levels of chloroplastic hydrogen peroxide were not correlated with the increased cell-to-cell movement of the marker protein GFP2X. We, therefore, propose that defects in chloroplast RNA metabolism mediate PD gating by suppressing PD callose deposition, and hydrogen peroxide levels in the organelles are not directly linked to this process.

Integrative Physiological and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Transition Mechanism of Sugar Phloem Unloading Route in Camellia oleifera Fruit

Sucrose phloem unloading plays a vital role in photoassimilate distribution and storage in sink organs such as fruits and seeds. In most plants, the phloem unloading route was reported to shift between an apoplasmic and a symplasmic pattern with fruit development. However, the molecular transition mechanisms of the phloem unloading pathway still remain largely unknown. In this study, we applied RNA sequencing to profile the specific gene expression patterns for sucrose unloading in C. oleifera fruits in the apo- and symplasmic pathways that were discerned by CF fluoresce labelling. Several key structural genes were identified that participate in phloem unloading, such as PDBG11, PDBG14, SUT8, CWIN4, and CALS10. In particular, the key genes controlling the process were involved in callose metabolism, which was confirmed by callose staining. Based on the co-expression network analysis with key structural genes, a number of transcription factors belonging to the MYB, C2C2, NAC, WRKY, and AP2/ERF families were identified to be candidate regulators for the operation and transition of phloem unloading. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that some important metabolism pathways such as plant hormone metabolism, starch, and sucrose metabolism altered with the change of the sugar unloading pattern. Our study provides innovative insights into the different mechanisms responsible for apo- and symplasmic phloem unloading in oil tea fruit and represents an important step towards the omics delineation of sucrose phloem unloading transition in crops.

StREM1.3 REMORIN Protein Plays an Agonistic Role in Potyvirus Cell-to-Cell Movement in N. benthamiana

REMORIN proteins belong to a plant-specific multigene family that localise in plasma membrane nanodomains and in plasmodesmata. We previously showed that in Nicotiana benthamiana, group 1 StREM1.3 limits the cell-to-cell spread of a potexvirus without affecting viral replication. This prompted us to check whether an effect on viral propagation could apply to potyvirus species Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) and Potato virus A (PVA). Our results show that StREM1.3 transient or stable overexpression in transgenic lines increases potyvirus propagation, while it is slowed down in transgenic lines underexpressing endogenous NbREMs, without affecting viral replication. TuMV and PVA infection do not alter the membranous localisation of StREM1.3. Furthermore, StREM1.3-membrane anchoring is necessary for its agonist effect on potyvirus propagation. StREM1.3 phosphocode seems to lead to distinct plant responses against potexvirus and potyvirus. We also showed that StREM1.3 interacts in yeast and in planta with the key potyviral movement protein CI (cylindrical inclusion) at the level of the plasma membrane but only partially at plasmodesmata pit fields. TuMV infection also counteracts StREM1.3-induced plasmodesmata callose accumulation at plasmodesmata. Altogether, these results showed that StREM1.3 plays an agonistic role in potyvirus cell-to-cell movement in N. benthamiana.

Heat Stress Reduces Root Meristem Size via Induction of Plasmodesmal Callose Accumulation Inhibiting Phloem Unloading in Arabidopsis

The intercellular transport of sugars, nutrients, and small molecules is essential for plant growth, development, and adaptation to environmental changes. Various stresses are known to affect the cell-to-cell molecular trafficking modulated by plasmodesmal permeability. However, the mechanisms of plasmodesmata modification and molecules involved in the phloem unloading process under stress are still not well understood. Here, we show that heat stress reduces the root meristem size and inhibits phloem unloading by inducing callose accumulation at plasmodesmata that connect the sieve element and phloem pole pericycle. Furthermore, we identify the loss-of-function of CALLOSE SYNTHASE 8 (CalS8), which is expressed specifically in the phloem pole pericycle, decreasing the plasmodesmal callose deposition at the interface between the sieve element and phloem pole pericycle and alleviating the suppression at root meristem size by heat stress. Our studies indicate the involvement of callose in the interaction between root meristem growth and heat stress and show that CalS8 negatively regulates the thermotolerance of Arabidopsis roots.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis in Taraxacum koksaghyz to Identify Genes that Determine Root Volume and Root Length

The Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz, family Asteraceae) produces large amounts of natural rubber in the laticifers of its roots. This species has been proposed as an alternative source of natural rubber to augment or partly replace the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) but domestication would require genetic improvement to increase rubber yields and agronomic optimization to facilitate harvesting and processing. Optimization has focused thus far on the size and shape of the roots, the primary storage organ for natural rubber and inulin. However, the corresponding genetic factors are poorly understood. Here we describe the comparative transcriptomic analysis of root tissues from T. koksaghyz plant sets featuring different root sizes and shapes, aiming to identify differentially expressed genes correlating with root length or root diameter in the upper root and root tip. The resulting datasets revealed multiple candidate genes for each trait and root part, including a glucan endo-1,3-β-d-glucosidase, an allene oxide synthase 3, and a TIFY10A/JAZ1 homolog. These three genes were tested by qRT-PCR in outdoor-grown plants with diverse root morphology, and the expression of two genes correlated with the appropriate root morphotype, confirming the effectiveness of our method. We evaluated the candidate genes to gain insight into their potential functions in root development. Such candidate genes could be suitable for marker-assisted breeding programs in the future.

Plant cell mechanobiology: Greater than the sum of its parts

The ability to sense and respond to physical forces is critical for the proper function of cells, tissues, and organisms across the evolutionary tree. Plants sense gravity, osmotic conditions, pathogen invasion, wind, and the presence of barriers in the soil, and dynamically integrate internal and external stimuli during every stage of growth and development. While the field of plant mechanobiology is growing, much is still poorly understood-including the interplay between mechanical and biochemical information at the single-cell level. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanical properties of three main components of the plant cell and the mechanoperceptive pathways that link them, with an emphasis on areas of complexity and interaction. We discuss the concept of mechanical homeostasis, or "mechanostasis," and examine the ways in which cellular structures and pathways serve to maintain it. We argue that viewing mechanics and mechanotransduction as emergent properties of the plant cell can be a useful conceptual framework for synthesizing current knowledge and driving future research.

Preharvest UV-C Hormesis Induces Key Genes Associated With Homeostasis, Growth and Defense in Lettuce Inoculated With Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians

Preharvest application of hormetic doses of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) generates beneficial effects in plants. In this study, within 1 week, four UV-C treatments of 0.4 kJ/m2 were applied to 3-week-old lettuce seedlings. The leaves were inoculated with a virulent strain of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians (Xcv) 48 h after the last UV-C application. The extent of the disease was tracked over time and a transcriptomic analysis was performed on lettuce leaf samples. Samples of lettuce leaves, from both control and treated groups, were taken at two different times corresponding to T2, 48 h after the last UV-C treatment and T3, 24 h after inoculation (i.e., 72 h after the last UV-C treatment). A significant decrease in disease severity between the UV-C treated lettuce and the control was observed on days 4, 8, and 14 after pathogen inoculation. Data from the transcriptomic study revealed, that in response to the effect of UV-C alone and/or UV-C + Xcv, a total of 3828 genes were differentially regulated with fold change (|log2-FC|) > 1.5 and false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05. Among these, of the 2270 genes of known function 1556 were upregulated and 714 were downregulated. A total of 10 candidate genes were verified by qPCR and were generally consistent with the transcriptomic results. The differentially expressed genes observed in lettuce under the conditions of the present study were associated with 14 different biological processes in the plant. These genes are involved in a series of metabolic pathways associated with the ability of lettuce treated with hormetic doses of UV-C to resume normal growth and to defend themselves against potential stressors. The results indicate that the hormetic dose of UV-C applied preharvest on lettuce in this study, can be considered as an eustress that does not interfere with the ability of the treated plants to carry on a set of key physiological processes namely: homeostasis, growth and defense.

In Vivo Aniline Blue Staining and Semiautomated Quantification of Callose Deposition at Plasmodesmata

The deposition and turnover of callose (beta-1,3 glucan polymer) in the cell wall surrounding the neck regions of plasmodesmata (PD) controls the cell-to-cell diffusion rate of molecules and, therefore, plays an important role in the regulation of intercellular communication in plants.Here we describe a simple and fast in vivo staining procedure for the imaging and quantification of callose at PD. We also introduce calloseQuant, a plug-in for semiautomated image analysis and non-biased quantification of callose levels at PD using ImageJ.

Spatiotemporal Specific Blocking of Plasmodesmata by Callose Induction

Plasmodesmata are nanoscale cell wall channels connecting neighboring cells in plants. Intercellular trafficking of molecules via plasmodesmata plays important roles in various developmental processes and stress responses. The turnover of callose, a β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide depositing in the cell wall around plasmodesmata, controls the plasmodesmal permeability and symplasmic transport. Here, we describe a protocol for the spatiotemporally controlled induction of callose synthesis and plasmodesmata closure using the cals3m system. In this system, cals3m, a mutant CALLOSE SYNTHASE 3 (CALS3) gene, is driven by inducible tissue-specific promoters of interest. After appropriate induction by 17-β-estradiol, callose is overproduced within the corresponding specific domains, resulting in temporal closure of plasmodesmata at the cell-cell interfaces. This approach can be used to validate and dissect the function of plasmodesmata-mediated symplasmic communications.

Function of Plasmodesmata in the Interaction of Plants with Microbes and Viruses

Plasmodesmata (PD) are gated plant cell wall channels that allow the trafficking of molecules between cells and play important roles during plant development and in the orchestration of cellular and systemic signaling responses during interactions of plants with the biotic and abiotic environment. To allow gating, PD are equipped with signaling platforms and enzymes that regulate the size exclusion limit (SEL) of the pore. Plant-interacting microbes and viruses target PD with specific effectors to enhance their virulence and are useful probes to study PD functions.

Approaches for investigating plasmodesmata and effective communication

Plasmodesmata (PD) are integral plant cell wall components that provide routes for intercellular communication, signaling, and resource sharing. They are therefore essential for plant growth and survival. Much effort has been put forth to understand how PD are generated and their structure is refined for function and to determine how they regulate intercellular trafficking. This review provides an overview of some of the approaches that have been used to study PD structure and function, highlighting those that may be more widely adopted to address questions of PD cell biology and function. Extending our focus on the importance of communication, we address how effective communication strategies can increase diversity and accessibility in the research laboratory, focusing on challenges faced by our deaf/hard-of-hearing colleagues, and highlight successful approaches to including them in the research laboratory.

Cell-to-Cell Connection in Plant Grafting-Molecular Insights into Symplasmic Reconstruction

Grafting is a means to connect tissues from two individual plants and grow a single chimeric plant through the establishment of both apoplasmic and symplasmic connections. Recent molecular studies using RNA-sequencing data have provided genetic information on the processes involved in tissue reunion, including wound response, cell division, cell-cell adhesion, cell differentiation and vascular formation. Thus, studies on grafting increase our understanding of various aspects of plant biology. Grafting has also been used to study systemic signaling and transport of micromolecules and macromolecules in the plant body. Given that graft viability and molecular transport across graft junctions largely depend on vascular formation, a major focus in grafting biology has been the mechanism of vascular development. In addition, it has been thought that symplasmic connections via plasmodesmata are fundamentally important to share cellular information among newly proliferated cells at the graft interface and to accomplish tissue differentiation correctly. Therefore, this review focuses on plasmodesmata formation during grafting. We take advantage of interfamily grafts for unambiguous identification of the graft interface and summarize morphological aspects of de novo formation of plasmodesmata. Important molecular events are addressed by re-examining the time-course transcriptome of interfamily grafts, from which we recently identified the cell-cell adhesion mechanism. Plasmodesmata-associated genes upregulated during graft healing that may provide a link to symplasm establishment are described. We also discuss future research directions.

Ferredoxin 1 is downregulated by the accumulation of abscisic acid in an ABI5-dependent manner to facilitate rice stripe virus infection in Nicotiana benthamiana and rice

Ferredoxin 1 (FD1) accepts and distributes electrons in the electron transfer chain of plants. Its expression is universally downregulated by viruses and its roles in plant immunity have been brought into focus over the past decade. However, the mechanism by which viruses regulate FD1 remains to be defined. In a previous report, we found that the expression of Nicotiana benthamiana FD1 (NbFD1) was downregulated following infection with potato virus X (PVX) and that NbFD1 regulates callose deposition at plasmodesmata to play a role in defense against PVX infection. We now report that NbFD1 is downregulated by rice stripe virus (RSV) infection and that silencing of NbFD1 also facilitates RSV infection, while viral infection was inhibited in a transgenic line overexpressing NbFD1, indicating that NbFD1 also functions in defense against RSV infection. Next, a RSV-derived small interfering RNA was identified that contributes to the downregulation of FD1 transcripts. Further analysis showed that the abscisic acid (ABA) which accumulates in RSV-infected plants also represses NbFD1 transcription. It does this by stimulating expression of ABA insensitive 5 (ABI5), which binds the ABA response element motifs in the NbFD1 promoter, resulting in negative regulation. Regulation of FD1 by ABA was also confirmed in RSV-infected plants of the natural host rice. The results therefore suggest a mechanism by which virus regulates chloroplast-related genes to suppress their defense roles.

The Fungal Effector Mlp37347 Alters Plasmodesmata Fluxes and Enhances Susceptibility to Pathogen

Melampsora larici-populina (Mlp) is a devastating pathogen of poplar trees, causing the defoliating poplar leaf rust disease. Genomic studies have revealed that Mlp possesses a repertoire of 1184 small secreted proteins (SSPs), some of them being characterized as candidate effectors. However, how they promote virulence is still unclear. This study investigates the candidate effector Mlp37347’s role during infection. We developed a stable Arabidopsis transgenic line expressing Mlp37347 tagged with the green fluorescent protein (GFP). We found that the effector accumulated exclusively at plasmodesmata (PD). Moreover, the presence of the effector at plasmodesmata favors enhanced plasmodesmatal flux and reduced callose deposition. Transcriptome profiling and a gene ontology (GO) analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the effector revealed that the genes involved in glucan catabolic processes are up-regulated. This effector has previously been shown to interact with glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1), and in silico docking analysis supported the strong binding between Mlp37347 and GAD1 in this study. In infection assays, the effector promoted Hyalonoperospora arabidopsidis growth but not bacterial growth. Our investigation suggests that the effector Mlp37347 targets PD in host cells and promotes parasitic growth.

Analysis of sticky generative cell mutants reveals that suppression of callose deposition in the generative cell is necessary for generative cell internalization and differentiation in Arabidopsis

In flowering plants, double fertilization between male and female gametophytes, which are separated by distance, largely depends on the unique pattern of the male gametophyte (pollen): two non-motile sperm cells suspended within a tube-producing vegetative cell. A morphological screen to elucidate the genetic control governing the strategic patterning of pollen has led to the isolation of a sticky generative cell (sgc) mutant that dehisces abnormal pollen with the generative cell immobilized at the pollen wall. Analyses revealed that the sgc mutation is specifically detrimental to pollen development, causing ectopic callose deposition that impedes the timely internalization and differentiation of the generative cell. We found that the SGC gene encodes the highly conserved domain of unknown function 707 (DUF707) gene that is broadly expressed but is germline specific during pollen development. Additionally, transgenic plants co-expressing fluorescently fused SGC protein and known organelle markers showed that SGC localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and vacuoles in pollen. A yeast two-hybrid screen with an SGC bait identified a thaumatin-like protein that we named GCTLP1, some homologs of which bind and/or digest β-1,3-glucans, the main constituent of callose. GCTLP1 is expressed in a germline-specific manner and colocalizes with SGC during pollen development, indicating that GCTLP1 is a putative SGC interactor. Collectively, our results show that SGC suppresses callose deposition in the nascent generative cell, thereby allowing the generative cell to fully internalize into the vegetative cell and correctly differentiate as the germline progenitor, with the potential involvement of the GCTLP1 protein, during pollen development in Arabidopsis.

Do Plasmodesmata Play a Prominent Role in Regulation of Auxin-Dependent Genes at Early Stages of Embryogenesis?

Plasmodesmata form intercellular channels which ensure the transport of various molecules during embryogenesis and postembryonic growth. However, high permeability of plasmodesmata may interfere with the establishment of auxin maxima, which are required for cellular patterning and the development of distinct tissues. Therefore, diffusion through plasmodesmata is not always desirable and the symplastic continuum must be broken up to induce or accomplish some developmental processes. Many data show the role of auxin maxima in the regulation of auxin-responsive genes and the establishment of various cellular patterns. However, still little is known whether and how these maxima are formed in the embryo proper before 16-cell stage, that is, when there is still a nonpolar distribution of auxin efflux carriers. In this work, we focused on auxin-dependent regulation of plasmodesmata function, which may provide rapid and transient changes of their permeability, and thus take part in the regulation of gene expression.

Review: Membrane tethers control plasmodesmal function and formation

Cell-to-cell communication is crucial in coordinating diverse biological processes in multicellular organisms. In plants, communication between adjacent cells occurs via nanotubular passages called plasmodesmata (PD). The PD passage is composed of an appressed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) internally, and plasma membrane (PM) externally, that traverses the cell wall, and associates with the actin-cytoskeleton. The coordination of the ER, PM and cytoskeleton plays a potential role in maintaining the architecture and conductivity of PD. Many data suggest that PD-associated proteins can serve as tethers that connect these structures in a functional PD, to regulate cell-to-cell communication. In this review, we summarize the organization and regulation of PD activity via tethering proteins, and discuss the importance of PD-mediated cell-to-cell communication in plant development and defense against environmental stress.

Current understanding of the interplays between host hormones and plant viral infections

Phytohormones mediate plant development and responses to stresses caused by biotic agents or abiotic factors. The functions of phytohormones in responses to viral infection have been intensively studied, and the emerging picture of complex mechanisms provides insights into the roles that phytohormones play in defense regulation as a whole. These hormone signaling pathways are not simple linear or isolated cascades, but exhibit crosstalk with each other. Here, we summarized the current understanding of recent advances for the classical defense hormones salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET) and also the roles of abscisic acid (ABA), auxin, gibberellic acid (GA), cytokinins (CKs), and brassinosteroids (BRs) in modulating plant–virus interactions.

Cellular requirements for PIN polar cargo clustering in Arabidopsis thaliana

Cell and tissue polarization is fundamental for plant growth and morphogenesis. The polar, cellular localization of Arabidopsis PIN-FORMED (PIN) proteins is crucial for their function in directional auxin transport. The clustering of PIN polar cargoes within the plasma membrane has been proposed to be important for the maintenance of their polar distribution. However, the more detailed features of PIN clusters and the cellular requirements of cargo clustering remain unclear. Here, we characterized PIN clusters in detail by means of multiple advanced microscopy and quantification methods, such as 3D quantitative imaging or freeze-fracture replica labeling. The size and aggregation types of PIN clusters were determined by electron microscopy at the nanometer level at different polar domains and at different developmental stages, revealing a strong preference for clustering at the polar domains. Pharmacological and genetic studies revealed that PIN clusters depend on phosphoinositol pathways, cytoskeletal structures and specific cell-wall components as well as connections between the cell wall and the plasma membrane. This study identifies the role of different cellular processes and structures in polar cargo clustering and provides initial mechanistic insight into the maintenance of polarity in plants and other systems.

Plasmodesmata-Dependent Intercellular Movement of Bacterial Effectors

Pathogenic microorganisms deliver protein effectors into host cells to suppress host immune responses. Recent findings reveal that phytopathogens manipulate the function of plant cell-to-cell communication channels known as plasmodesmata (PD) to promote diseases. Several bacterial and filamentous pathogen effectors have been shown to regulate PD in their host cells. A few effectors of filamentous pathogens have been reported to move from the infected cells to neighboring plant cells through PD; however, it is unclear whether bacterial effectors can traffic through PD in plants. In this study, we determined the intercellular movement of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 effectors between adjoining plant cells in Nicotiana benthamiana. We observed that at least 16 Pst DC3000 effectors have the capacity to move from transformed cells to the surrounding plant cells. The movement of the effectors is largely dependent on their molecular weights. The expression of PD regulators, Arabidopsis PD-located protein PDLP5 and PDLP7, leads to PD closure and inhibits the PD-dependent movement of a bacterial effector in N. benthamiana. Similarly, a 22-amino acid peptide of bacterial flagellin (flg22) treatment induces PD closure and suppresses the movement of a bacterial effector in N. benthamiana. Among the mobile effectors, HopAF1 and HopA1 are localized to the plasma membrane (PM) in plant cells. Interestingly, the PM association of HopAF1 does not negatively affect the PD-dependent movement. Together, our findings demonstrate that bacterial effectors are able to move intercellularly through PD in plants.

Plasmodesmata-Dependent Intercellular Movement of Bacterial Effectors

Pathogenic microorganisms deliver protein effectors into host cells to suppress host immune responses. Recent findings reveal that phytopathogens manipulate the function of plant cell-to-cell communication channels known as plasmodesmata (PD) to promote diseases. Several bacterial and filamentous pathogen effectors have been shown to regulate PD in their host cells. A few effectors of filamentous pathogens have been reported to move from the infected cells to neighboring plant cells through PD; however, it is unclear whether bacterial effectors can traffic through PD in plants. In this study, we determined the intercellular movement of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 effectors between adjoining plant cells in Nicotiana benthamiana. We observed that at least 16 Pst DC3000 effectors have the capacity to move from transformed cells to the surrounding plant cells. The movement of the effectors is largely dependent on their molecular weights. The expression of PD regulators, Arabidopsis PD-located protein PDLP5 and PDLP7, leads to PD closure and inhibits the PD-dependent movement of a bacterial effector in N. benthamiana. Similarly, a 22-amino acid peptide of bacterial flagellin (flg22) treatment induces PD closure and suppresses the movement of a bacterial effector in N. benthamiana. Among the mobile effectors, HopAF1 and HopA1 are localized to the plasma membrane (PM) in plant cells. Interestingly, the PM association of HopAF1 does not negatively affect the PD-dependent movement. Together, our findings demonstrate that bacterial effectors are able to move intercellularly through PD in plants.

12-oxo-Phytodienoic Acid: A Fuse and/or Switch of Plant Growth and Defense Responses?

12-oxo-Phytodienoic acid (OPDA) is a primary precursor of (-)-jasmonic acid (JA), able to trigger autonomous signaling pathways that regulate a unique subset of jasmonate-responsive genes, activating and fine-tuning defense responses, as well as growth processes in plants. Recently, a number of studies have illuminated the physiol-molecular activities of OPDA signaling in plants, which interconnect the regulatory loop of photosynthesis, cellular redox homeostasis, and transcriptional regulatory networks, together shedding new light on (i) the underlying modes of cellular interfaces between growth and defense responses (e.g., fitness trade-offs or balances) and (ii) vital information in genetic engineering or molecular breeding approaches to upgrade own survival capacities of plants. However, our current knowledge regarding its mode of actions is still far from complete. This review will briefly revisit recent progresses on the roles and mechanisms of OPDA and information gaps within, which help in understanding the phenotypic and environmental plasticity of plants.

Review: The Next Steps in Crop Improvement: Adoption of Emerging Strategies to Identify Bottlenecks in Sugar Flux

Sugar allocation in plants is the fundamental process that transports sugar from source to sink tissues and has a dramatic impact on crop yields. Controlling sugar allocation is required to increase crop yields, as well as biomass for biofuel production. Successful examples have demonstrated that genetic engineering of sugar partitioning offers a promising strategy to achieve this goal. However, improvement has thus far been limited by gaps in understanding of the underlying mechanisms controlling the allocation of sugars. The dynamics of sugar partitioning are minimally predictable under different conditions, between species, or in response to abiotic stresses. Here, we discuss four methodologies that have not been sufficiently exploited for the identification of bottlenecks in sugar flux. Furthermore, we suggest how these strategies can be used and combined to provide the insight needed to maximize crop yields or biomass, especially under conditions of environmental stress.

A Phytophthora effector protein promotes symplastic cell-to-cell trafficking by physical interaction with plasmodesmata-localised callose synthases

Pathogen effectors act as disease promoting factors that target specific host proteins with roles in plant immunity. Here, we investigated the function of the RxLR3 effector of the plant-pathogen Phytophthora brassicae. Arabidopsis plants expressing a FLAG-RxLR3 fusion protein were used for co-immunoprecipitation followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify host targets of RxLR3. Fluorescently labelled fusion proteins were used for analysis of subcellular localisation and function of RxLR3. Three closely related members of the callose synthase family, CalS1, CalS2 and CalS3, were identified as targets of RxLR3. RxLR3 co-localised with the plasmodesmal marker protein PDLP5 (PLASMODESMATA-LOCALISED PROTEIN 5) and with plasmodesmata-associated deposits of the β-1,3-glucan polymer callose. In line with a function as an inhibitor of plasmodesmal callose synthases (CalS) enzymes, callose depositions were reduced and cell-to-cell trafficking was promoted in the presence of RxLR3. Plasmodesmal callose deposition in response to infection was compared with wild-type suppressed in RxLR3-expressing Arabidopsis lines. Our results implied a virulence function of the RxLR3 effector as a positive regulator of plasmodesmata transport and provided evidence for competition between P. brassicae and Arabidopsis for control of cell-to-cell trafficking.

Influence of cell wall polymers and their modifying enzymes during plant-aphid interactions

Aphids are a major issue for commercial crops. These pests drain phloem nutrients and transmit ~50% of the known insect-borne viral diseases. During aphid feeding, trophic structures called stylets advance toward the phloem intercellularly, disrupting cell wall polymers. It is thought that cell wall-modifying enzymes (CWMEs) present in aphid saliva facilitate stylet penetration through this intercellular polymer network. Additionally, different studies have demonstrated that host settling preference, feeding behavior, and colony performance of aphids are influenced by modulating the CWME expression levels in host plants. CWMEs have been described as critical defensive elements for plants, but also as a key virulence factor for plant pathogens. However, whether CWMEs are elements of the plant defense mechanisms or the aphid infestation process remains unclear. Therefore, in order to better consider the function of CWMEs and cell wall-derived damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) during plant-aphid interactions, the present review integrates different hypotheses, perspectives, and experimental evidence in the field of plant-aphid interactions and discusses similarities to other well-characterized models such as the fungi-plant pathosystems from the host and the attacker perspectives.

Longitudinal Transcriptomic, Proteomic, and Metabolomic Analysis of Citrus limon Response to Graft Inoculation by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus

Presymptomatic detection of citrus trees infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacterial pathogen associated with Huanglongbing (HLB; citrus greening disease), is critical to controlling the spread of the disease. To test whether infected citrus trees produce systemic signals that may be used for indirect disease detection, lemon (Citrus limon) plants were graft-inoculated with either CLas-infected or control (CLas-) budwood, and leaf samples were longitudinally collected over 46 weeks and analyzed for plant changes associated with CLas infection. RNA, protein, and metabolite samples extracted from leaves were analyzed using RNA-Seq, mass spectrometry, and 1H NMR spectroscopy, respectively. Significant differences in specific transcripts, proteins, and metabolites were observed between CLas-infected and control plants as early as 2 weeks post graft (wpg). The most dramatic differences between the transcriptome and proteome of CLas-infected and control plants were observed at 10 wpg, including coordinated increases in transcripts and proteins of citrus orthologs of known plant defense genes. This integrated approach to quantifying plant molecular changes in leaves of CLas-infected plants supports the development of diagnostic technology for presymptomatic or early disease detection as part of efforts to control the spread of HLB into uninfected citrus groves.

Identification of Callose Synthases in Stinging Nettle and Analysis of Their Expression in Different Tissues

Callose is an important biopolymer of β-1,3-linked glucose units involved in different phases of plant development, reproduction and response to external stimuli. It is synthesized by glycosyltransferases (GTs) known as callose synthases (CalS) belonging to family 48 in the Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) database. These GTs are anchored to the plasma membrane via transmembrane domains. Several genes encoding CalS have been characterized in higher plants with 12 reported in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. Recently, the de novo transcriptome of a fibre-producing clone of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) was published and here it is mined for CalS genes with the aim of identifying members differentially expressed in the core and cortical tissues of the stem. The goal is to understand whether specific CalS genes are associated with distinct developmental stages of the stem internodes (elongation, thickening). Nine genes, eight of which encoding full-length CalS, are identified in stinging nettle. The phylogenetic analysis with CalS proteins from other fibre crops, namely textile hemp and flax, reveals grouping into 6 clades. The expression profiles in nettle tissues (roots, leaves, stem internodes sampled at different heights) reveal differences that are most noteworthy in roots vs. leaves. Two CalS are differentially expressed in the internodes sampled at the top and middle of the stem. Implications of their role in nettle stem tissue development are discussed.

Improving Regulation of Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants and Stress-Related Gene Stimulation in Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus-Infected Cucumber Plants Treated with Glycine Betaine, Chitosan and Combination

Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) is a deadly plant virus that results in crop-yield losses with serious economic consequences. In recent years, environmentally friendly components have been developed to manage crop diseases as alternatives to chemical pesticides, including the use of natural compounds such as glycine betaine (GB) and chitosan (CHT), either alone or in combination. In the present study, the leaves of the cucumber plants were foliar-sprayed with GB and CHT—either alone or in combination—to evaluate their ability to induce resistance against CMV. The results showed a significant reduction in disease severity and CMV accumulation in plants treated with GB and CHT, either alone or in combination, compared to untreated plants (challenge control). In every treatment, growth indices, leaf chlorophylls content, phytohormones (i.e., indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid), endogenous osmoprotectants (i.e., proline, soluble sugars and glycine betaine), non-enzymatic antioxidants (i.e., ascorbic acid, glutathione and phenols) and enzymatic antioxidants (i.e., superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, lipoxygenase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, chitinase and β-1,3 glucanase) of virus-infected plants were significantly increased. On the other hand, malondialdehyde and abscisic acid contents have been significantly reduced. Based on a gene expression study, all treated plants exhibited increased expression levels of some regulatory defense genes such as PR1 and PAL1. In conclusion, the combination of GB and CHT is the most effective treatment in alleviated virus infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the induction of systemic resistance against CMV by using GB.