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Stress‐adaptive gene discovery by exploiting collective decision‐making of decentralized plant response systems
Author(s) -
Chivasa Stephen,
Goodman Heather Louise
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.16273
Subject(s) - plasmodesma , extracellular , microbiology and biotechnology , quorum sensing , extracellular matrix , biology , cell signaling , signalling , signal transduction , cytoplasm , computational biology , biofilm , bacteria , genetics
Summary Despite having a network of cytoplasmic interconnections (plasmodesmata) facilitating rapid exchange of metabolites and signal molecules, plant cells use the extracellular matrix as an alternative route for cell–cell communication. The need for extracellular signalling in plasmodesmata‐networked tissues is baffling. A hypothesis is proposed that this phenomenon defines the plant extracellular matrix as a ‘democratic space’ for collective decision‐making in a decentralized system, similar to quorum‐sensing in bacteria. Extracellular communication enables signal integration and coordination across several cell layers through ligand‐activated plasma membrane receptors. Recent results from drought stress‐adaptive responses and light‐mediated signalling in cell death activation show operational utility of this decision‐making process. Opportunities are discussed for new innovations in drought gene discovery using platforms targeting the extracellular matrix.