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Updated: Sep 14, 2025
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A Strategy to Validate the Role of Callose-mediated Plasmodesmal Gating in the Tropic Response
Published on: April 17, 2016
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A developmental switch controls cell-to-cell transport in roots via pectin-linked plasmodesmata changes
Léa Jacquier1, Celeste Aurora Fiorenza1, Kevin Robe1
1Department of Plant Sciences, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
Molecular Plant
|July 19, 2025
Summary
Plasmodesmata enable cell-to-cell communication in Arabidopsis roots, even in mature tissues. This study reveals a developmental switch in transport directionality and identifies pectin
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Cell-to-cell communication is essential for multicellular organisms.
- Plasmodesmata are cytoplasmic channels connecting plant cells, crucial for molecule transport.
- In plant roots, plasmodesmata are vital for nutrient acquisition and distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasmodesmatal transport in differentiated Arabidopsis roots.
- To identify the developmental regulation of plasmodesmatal function and directionality.
- To uncover the molecular mechanisms controlling plasmodesmatal aperture and transport.
Main Methods:
- Demonstration of persistent plasmodesmatal transport in mature Arabidopsis roots.
- Identification of a developmental switch from bidirectional to unidirectional transport.
- Genetic screening to identify mutants with altered plasmodesmatal directionality.
- Analysis of pectin composition and cell wall organization in mutant lines.
Main Results:
- Plasmodesmatal transport continues in differentiated Arabidopsis roots, bypassing apoplastic barriers.
- A developmental switch causes transport to become unidirectional towards the vasculature in mature roots.
- Mutants with impaired directionality exhibit enlarged plasmodesmatal apertures.
- Defects in pectin composition and cell wall organization underlie altered plasmodesmatal function.
Conclusions:
- Plasmodesmata are critical for intercellular transport in mature plant roots.
- Plasmodesmata-mediated transport is dynamically regulated during root development.
- Pectin plays a key role in regulating plasmodesmatal aperture and intercellular communication.
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