Unravelling the molecular mechanisms of eATP signalling during regulated cell death in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors
Leah Gachao (presenting author) [1]
Maximillian Fuchs [1]
Catharina Davies [2]
Astrid Bjørkøy [2]
Daniela Sueldo [1]
Affiliations
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, Trondheim, Norway
Email (presenting author): leah.gachao@ntnu.no - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Physics, Trondheim, Norway
Keywords
Regulated cell death; eATP signalling; biosensor; cell-cell communication; apoplast; Arabidopsis
Abstract
As sessile organisms, plants constantly encounter environmental stresses that activate signaling pathways to maintain homeostasis, including regulated cell death (RCD). Under stress conditions, such as heat, RCD eliminates damaged cells to enhance plant survival. Additionally, during stress, plants release various molecules into the apoplast, altering their extracellular environment and generating signals for adaptation. ATP, a universal energy molecule, can be released into the apoplast as extracellular ATP (eATP) and is recognized with high affinity by lectin receptor-like kinases, P2K1 and P2K2. Recent evidence suggests eATP may play a role in cell-cell communication during RCD. However, knowledge regarding eATP as a death signal remains limited, and its spatiotemporal regulation is poorly understood. In my PhD research, I aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying eATP as a death signal and investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of eATP release using a genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor. Findings on eATP induced RCD in Arabidopsis will be presented. In addition, using the eATP biosensor, findings on the role of eATP in cell-cell communication during RCD will be discussed.
Funding
NTNU PhD fund awarded to Leah Gachao