Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan Gyeongbuk, 38541, Republic of Korea.
Planta. 2023 Oct 25;258(6):105. doi: 10.1007/s00425-023-04261-6.
Mechanosensitive channels are integral membrane proteins that rapidly translate extrinsic or intrinsic mechanical tensions into biological responses. They can serve as potential candidates for developing smart-resilient crops with efficient root systems. Mechanosensitive (MS) calcium channels are molecular switches for mechanoperception and signal transduction in all living organisms. Although tremendous progress has been made in understanding mechanoperception and signal transduction in bacteria and animals, this remains largely unknown in plants. However, identification and validation of MS channels such as Mid1-complementing activity channels (MCAs), mechanosensitive-like channels (MSLs), and Piezo channels (PIEZO) has been the most significant discovery in plant mechanobiology, providing novel insights into plant mechanoperception. This review summarizes recent advances in root mechanobiology, focusing on MS channels and their related signaling players, such as calcium ions (Ca), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and phytohormones. Despite significant advances in understanding the role of Ca signaling in root biology, little is known about the involvement of MS channel-driven Ca and ROS signaling. Additionally, the hotspots connecting the upstream and downstream signaling of MS channels remain unclear. In light of this, we discuss the present knowledge of MS channels in root biology and their role in root developmental and adaptive traits. We also provide a model highlighting upstream (cell wall sensors) and downstream signaling players, viz., Ca, ROS, and hormones, connected with MS channels. Furthermore, we highlighted the importance of emerging signaling molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (HS), and neurotransmitters (NTs), and their association with root mechanoperception. Finally, we conclude with future directions and knowledge gaps that warrant further research to decipher the complexity of root mechanosensing.
机械敏感通道是整合膜蛋白，可快速将外在或内在机械张力转化为生物反应。它们可以作为开发具有高效根系的智能弹性作物的潜在候选物。机械敏感（MS）钙通道是所有生物中机械感知和信号转导的分子开关。尽管在理解细菌和动物的机械感知和信号转导方面已经取得了巨大进展，但在植物中这方面仍然知之甚少。然而，鉴定和验证机械敏感通道，如 Mid1 互补活性通道（MCAs）、机械敏感样通道（MSLs）和 Piezo 通道（PIEZO），是植物机械生物学中最重大的发现，为植物机械感知提供了新的见解。
本综述总结了根机械生物学的最新进展，重点介绍了 MS 通道及其相关信号转导因子，如钙离子（Ca）、活性氧物种（ROS）和植物激素。尽管在理解 Ca 信号在根生物学中的作用方面取得了重大进展，但对 MS 通道驱动的 Ca 和 ROS 信号的参与知之甚少。此外，MS 通道上游和下游信号转导的热点尚不清楚。
有鉴于此，我们讨论了 MS 通道在根生物学中的现有知识及其在根发育和适应特性中的作用。我们还提供了一个模型，强调了 MS 通道的上游（细胞壁传感器）和下游信号转导因子，即 Ca、ROS 和激素的连接。此外，我们强调了新兴信号分子（如一氧化氮（NO）、硫化氢（HS）和神经递质（NTs））及其与根机械感知的关联的重要性。最后，我们总结了未来的方向和知识空白，需要进一步研究来阐明根机械感知的复杂性。
