Detecting Touch-Induced Calcium Dynamics With Live-Cell Imaging in Torenia Stigma

Calcium ions serve as a universal secondary messenger, integrating diverse external signals, such as light, herbivory, and mechanical stimuli, within plant cells. However, the visualization and mechanistic dissection of calcium signaling specifically in response to mechanical stimulation remain technically challenging and underexplored in most plants. Previous studies have been largely confined to a few model systems, including Arabidopsis; here, we introduce a live-cell imaging approach using the stigmas of Torenia fournieri. This in vitro system enables multiscale observation of calcium signal patterns following controlled mechanical stimulation. This versatile platform not only simplifies the design of calcium imaging assays but also provides a tractable system for functionally validating other key molecular components in this signaling pathway. Key features • Live-cell imaging is employed to monitor calcium signals in response to mechanical stimulation, enabling examination at both the whole-organism and cellular levels. • Stigma vitality is maintained under controlled in vitro conditions throughout the imaging.