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Imaging Local Ca2+ Signals in Cultured Mammalian Cells
Published on: March 3, 2015
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CamelliA-based simultaneous imaging of Ca2+ dynamics in subcellular compartments.
Jingzhe Guo1,2, Jiangman He1,2, Katayoon Dehesh1,2
1Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, 92521 California, USA.
Plant Physiology
|February 26, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed new tools to track calcium signals in plant cells. This allows for a better understanding of how calcium (Ca2+) dynamics influence plant growth and responses to stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Cellular Signaling
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Calcium (Ca2+) acts as a universal second messenger, transmitting cellular signals through spatiotemporal patterns.
- Understanding Ca2+ signature generation is limited by the lack of tools for simultaneous monitoring across subcellular compartments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a molecular toolset for simultaneous, high-resolution monitoring of Ca2+ dynamics in multiple subcellular compartments in Arabidopsis.
- To overcome limitations in current Ca2+ imaging technologies.
Main Methods:
- Development of the CamelliA lines in Arabidopsis thaliana.
- Utilizing different single-colored genetically encoded calcium indicators for imaging.
- Simultaneous monitoring of Ca2+ dynamics in various subcellular compartments.
Main Results:
- Uncovered distinct Ca2+ signatures in Arabidopsis pollen tubes, root epidermal cells, and leaf epidermis.
- Observed rapid cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations and plasma membrane influx in pollen tubes.
- Characterized spatiotemporal Ca2+ relationships in root cells under salt stress.
- Identified a shockwave-like Ca2+ wave in wounded leaf epidermis.
Conclusions:
- The CamelliA lines provide a powerful platform for elucidating subcellular Ca2+ sources in plants.
- Demonstrated the broad applicability of the toolset for studying diverse Ca2+ signaling events.
- Advanced the understanding of plant cellular responses mediated by Ca2+ dynamics.
