Cell wall dynamics: novel tools and research questions

Abstract

Years ago, a classic textbook would define plant cell walls based on passive features. For instance, a sort of plant exoskeleton of invariable polysaccharide composition, and probably painted in green. However, currently, this view has been expanded to consider plant cell walls as active, heterogeneous, and dynamic structures with a high degree of complexity. However, what do we mean when we refer to a cell wall as a dynamic structure? How can we investigate the different implications of this dynamism? While the first question has been the subject of several recent publications, defining the ideal strategies and tools needed to address the second question has proven to be challenging due to the myriad of techniques available. In this review, we will describe the capacities of several methodologies to study cell wall composition, structure, and other aspects developed or optimized in recent years. Keeping in mind cell wall dynamism and plasticity, the advantages of performing long-term non-invasive live-imaging methods will be emphasized. We specifically focus on techniques developed for Arabidopsis thaliana primary cell walls, but the techniques could be applied to both secondary cell walls as well as other plant species. We believe this toolset will help researchers in expanding knowledge of these dynamic/evolving structures.

The interplay between cell wall integrity and cell cycle progression in plants

“…The distinction lies solely in the temporal dimension, emphasizing the importance of considering this aspect for a comprehensive understanding of CWI. Yet, the technical challenges associated with studying dynamic processes remain substantial, due to the lack of spatial and temporal resolution of the employed methods (Alonso Baez and Bacete 2023 ). A nice example of how high-resolution techniques can shed light into how cell wall properties relate to cell division and morphogenesis is the recent study by (Bonfanti et al 2023 ).…”