THESEUS1 modulates cell wall stiffness and abscisic acid production in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

Plant cells can be distinguished from animal cells by their cell walls and high turgor pressure. Although changes in turgor and stiffness of cell walls seem coordinated, we know little about the mechanism responsible for coordination. Evidence has accumulated that plants, like yeast, have a dedicated cell wall integrity maintenance mechanism. This mechanism monitors the functional integrity of the wall and maintains it through adaptive responses when cell wall damage occurs during growth, development, and interactions with the environment. The adaptive responses include osmo-sensitive-induction of phytohormone production, defence responses as well as changes in cell wall composition and structure. Here, we investigate how the cell wall integrity maintenance mechanism coordinates changes in cell wall stiffness and turgor in Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that the production of abscisic acid (ABA), the phytohormone modulating turgor pressure and responses to drought, depends on the presence of a functional cell wall. We find that the cell wall integrity sensor THESEUS1 modulates mechanical properties of walls, turgor loss point and ABA biosynthesis. We identify RECEPTOR-LIKE PROTEIN 12 as a new component of cell wall integrity maintenance controlling cell wall damage-induced jasmonic acid production. Based on the results we propose that THE1 is responsible for coordinating changes in turgor pressure and cell wall stiffness. Significance statementPlants need to constantly adapt to a changing environment. This includes responses to biotic and abiotic stress. Key elements influencing the response to abiotic stress are the plant cell walls surrounding all cells and the phytohormone abscisic acid, which influences turgor pressure in plants. Turgor pressure in plant cells is much higher than in animal cells and a key driver of plant growth and development. Here we investigate the mechanism regulating cell wall stiffness and coordinating changes in stiffness and turgor. We characterize key elements of the mechanism and dissect its mode of action. This knowledge will enable us to pursue novel approaches to improve plant resistance to drought stress, which is crucial in a rapidly changing environment.