J. Sprakel

Plant infection by the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis requires actin-dependent generation of high invasive turgor pressure

This study shows Botrytis uses actin-dependent invasive pressure and surface adherence to penetrate plant cells, reducing virulence when actin polymerization is blocked.

An elastic proteinaceous envelope encapsulates the early Arabidopsis embryo

The paper identifies an elastic proteinaceous envelope surrounding the early Arabidopsis embryo, distinct from the cuticle and sheath, and shows it is composed of Extensin, Arabinogalactan O-glycoproteins, and lipids.

Rapid Molecular Mechanotyping with Microfluidic Force Spectroscopy

This paper introduces microfluidic force spectroscopy (microFFS) as a rapid, low-cost method to measure molecular bond stability under mechanical forces, validated with DNA duplexes and simulations.

A RAF-like kinase mediates a deeply conserved, ultra-rapid auxin response

The paper identifies a conserved RAF-like kinase mediating ultra-rapid auxin responses across land plants and algae, linking it to phosphorylation and fast physiological responses.

Direct measurement of appressorium turgor using a molecular mechanosensor in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae

The paper measures appressorium turgor in Magnaporthe oryzae using a molecular mechanosensor and FLIM, finding high turgor in mature appressoria and lower turgor in mutants.

Cell wall extensin arabinosylation is required for root directional response to salinity

The paper identifies a genetic locus associated with root bending in response to salinity, showing that extensin arabinosylation is required for directional root responses to salt.