Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso: Plasmodesmata Walls and the Mechanical Control of Intercellular Signalling

Plant cell walls contain pores named plasmodesmata connecting neighbouring cells. Plasmodesmata provide a route for the symplastic (cytoplasm-to-cytoplasm) transport of small and large molecules including signalling proteins and RNAs, metabolites and hormones. The cell walls surrounding plasmodesmata regulate their trafficking capacity and are enriched in the β-1,3 glucan polysaccharide callose. We have studied the properties and function of callose in the regulation of the channel aperture and identified enzymes that modify its accumulation. These tools allowed us to uncover important biological functions dependent on plasmodesmata effective communication including a role in mutualistic symbiosis and drought responses. Our work also revealed structural diversity affecting the composition and properties of these cell walls microdomains that can be exploited in plant biotechnology and in biomaterial development. I will share how we build on this knowledge and discuss potential applications in tackling environmental sustainability challenges.