Realizing the Full Potential of Advanced Microscopy Approaches for Interrogating Plant-Microbe Interactions

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Microbiology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Microscopy has been vital for studying plant-microbe interactions for centuries.
• Classical light and electron microscopy are standard tools for visualizing host-microbe relationships.
• Confocal and electron tomography provide 3D insights, common in major research institutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight advanced imaging platforms for plant-microbe systems.
• To review the applications, benefits, and challenges of cutting-edge microscopy.
• To encourage adoption of novel techniques for unresolved biological questions.

Main Methods:

• Focus on advanced imaging: light-sheet, single molecule, super-resolution, adaptive optics microscopy.
• Includes ambient and cryo-volume electron microscopy, X-ray microscopy, and cryo-electron tomography.
• Reviews complementary sample preparation: optical clearing, expansion microscopy, multiplex imaging.

Main Results:

• Many cutting-edge imaging and sample preparation technologies remain underutilized.
• These advanced methods offer potential for unprecedented understanding of plant-microbe interactions.
• The review details specific applications and benefits of these emerging techniques.

Conclusions:

• Awareness and adoption of advanced microscopy are crucial for progress in plant-microbe research.
• These technologies can address complex questions in pathogenic, beneficial, and symbiotic interactions.
• Facilitating the application of these tools will drive future discoveries.