Root Border Cells and Their Role in Plant Defense
Martha Hawes1, Caitilyn Allen2, B Gillian Turgeon3
1Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721; email: mhawes@email.arizona.edu , curlango@email.arizona.edu , dahuskey@email.arizona.edu.
Annual Review of Phytopathology
|May 25, 2016
Summary
Plant root border cells form extracellular traps similar to immune cells, protecting against pathogens. Inhibiting bacterial and fungal extracellular DNases (exDNases) reduces plant infection, suggesting new disease control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Root border cells are specialized plant cells that detach from root tips.
- Their precise function in plant defense has remained largely unknown.
- Recent research suggests a role analogous to mammalian neutrophils in immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of root border cells in plant defense mechanisms.
- To explore the function of extracellular DNA (exDNA) and antimicrobial proteins in border cell secretions.
- To determine the impact of extracellular DNases (exDNases) from pathogens on plant-root interactions.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of border cell secretions and mammalian neutrophil extracellular traps.
- Experimental addition of DNase I to plant root tips to assess its effect on infection resistance.
- Genetic mutation of exDNase genes in plant pathogens (Ralstonia solanacearum, Cochliobolus heterostrophus) to evaluate virulence.
Main Results:
- Root border cells secrete a complex of extracellular DNA (exDNA) and antimicrobial proteins, forming protective traps.
- Addition of DNase I to root tips disrupted these extracellular traps and reduced resistance to pathogen infection.
- Mutations in bacterial and fungal exDNase genes led to decreased pathogen virulence against plants.
Conclusions:
- Plant root border cells function similarly to mammalian neutrophils, employing extracellular traps for defense.
- Extracellular DNases produced by plant pathogens play a crucial role in their virulence and spread.
- Targeting pathogen exDNase activity presents a promising strategy for developing novel plant disease control methods.
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