Cell wall dynamics: novel tools and research questions

• Published in: Journal of experimental botany Vol. 74; no. 21; pp. 6448 - 6467
• Main Authors: Alonso Baez, Luis, Bacete, Laura
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: UK Oxford University Press 21.11.2023
• Subjects: Arabidopsis; Biophysics; Cell Membrane; Cell Wall - metabolism; cell wall composition; cell wall structure; live-imaging; mechanics; plant cell wall; Plants; Protein Transport; cell wall structure; mechanics; Biophysics; live-imaging; plant cell wall; cell wall composition
• ISSN: 0022-0957; 1460-2431; 1460-2431
• DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad310

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 and other plant species. We believe this toolset will help researchers in expanding knowledge of these dynamic/evolving structures. This review offers a comprehensive guide to the latest techniques for understanding the dynamic, active, and diverse nature of plant cell walls, highlighting non-invasive and live-imaging strategies.