| Application Dept. |
Graduate Institute of Biochemistry |
| Principal Investigator |
Han Tang, Assistant professor |
| Project Title |
Utilizing Smart Polymers to Replace Cell Content and Study the Mechanisms of Wound-Induced Plant Stem Cell Regeneration |
| Co-Principal Investigator |
1.Kuan-Ju Lu, Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, Assistant professor 2.Chi-Feng Huang, Department of Chemical Engineering, professor |
| Co-Investigator |
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| Abstract |
Wound-induced plant regeneration is critical for general plant survival and laboratory-based biotechnology applications. Upon wounding, neighbor cells perceive biochemical and mechanical signals caused on the wounding site. These two types of signals are transduced into the nucleus where the cell activates cell fate transition to proceed with stem cell reprogramming. Although the physical damage is essential for cell reprogramming, the mechanisms behind wound-induced cell reprogramming are unclear. The obstacle that hinders the investigation of mechanosensing and transduction is the complexity of plant tissues. In this study, we use the model system moss, Phsycomitrium patens, leaf composed of a single-cell layer to overcome this problem. To distinguish the signaling pathways activated by biochemical and mechanical stimuli, we will use a confocal microscope equipped with cell manipulators to implement suction and injection in one single cell. With suction only, we will generate a mechanical signal to neighbor cells, while the balance of suction and injection simultaneously will maintain the shape of a dead cell therefore the mechanical stress will be eliminated in the neighbor cells. Smart polymers will be tested and applied as the injection material. In summary, this study employs innovative techniques and a simplified model system to investigate the cellular responses to wound-induced stress, with a focus on distinguishing between biochemical and mechanical signals. The use of smart polymers and precise manipulation techniques contributes to the goal of identifying key genes involved in the early stages of plant regeneration. |
