Ca²⁺ waves and ethylene/JA crosstalk orchestrate wound responses in Arabidopsis roots

Wounding triggers complex and multi-faceted responses in plants. Among these, calcium (Ca²⁺) waves serve as an immediate and localized response to strong stimuli, such as nematode infection or laser ablation. Here, we investigate the propagation patterns of Ca²⁺ waves induced by laser ablation and observe that glutamate-receptor-like channels (GLR3.3/GLR3.6), the stretch-activated anion channel MSL10, and the mechanosensitive Ca²⁺-permeable channels MCA1/MCA2 influence this process. These channels contribute to ethylene-associated signaling pathways, potentially through the WRKY33-ACS6 regulatory network. Furthermore, our findings show that ACC/ethylene signaling modulates Ca²⁺ wave propagation following laser ablation. Ethylene perception and synthesis at the site of damage regulate the local jasmonate response, which displays tissue-specific patterns upon laser ablation. Overall, our data provide new insights into the molecular and cellular processes underlying plant responses to localized damage, highlighting the roles of specific ion channels and hormone signaling pathways in shaping these responses in Arabidopsis roots.