Plasmodesmata-Mediated Cell Communication

Dear Colleagues,

Plasmodesmata (PD) are microscopic channels that directly connect the cytoplasm of adjacent plant cells to each other. They are critical players controlling intercellular transport, from small molecules such as sugars and ions, to macromolecules including proteins and RNAs that act as signals between particular cells during plant development, reproduction, and adaptation to abiotic and biotic stresses. Multiple pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses exploit and modulate PD to establish infection in plants. In this regard, several lines of evidence suggest that the rapid modulation of PD is one of the important aspects of plant immunity, especially during single-cell immune response to release defense signals, prevent pathogen spreading, and create a hostile environment for the invading pathogens. Although numerous host proteins involved in transport through PD during cell signaling as well as during pathogen infection have been identified, the mechanisms by which they regulate PD permeability are just beginning to emerge. This Special Issue of Cells aims to improve our understanding of topics including how cellular and pathogen-derived factors modulate PD during plant development and morphogenesis, interactions with pathogens, and development of plant immunity.

Prof. Vitaly Citovsky
Dr. Phu Tri Tran
Guest Editors

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• Plasmodesmata
• Plasmodesmata modulation
• Cell-to-cell communication
• Cell-to-cell transport of proteins and RNA
• Plant immunity