Coordination of cell shape acquisition during plant morphogenesis

Deciphering the precise mechanisms governing the formation of various cell types at specific time and space is a key challenge in developmental biology.

This fundamental process underlies morphogenesis in multicellular organisms, where the synchronized coordination of cell shape acquisition, and fate determination is essential.

Moving from traditional studies of cell shape acquisition in 2D, I will in this project lead my team to build a comprehensive understanding of how different layers interact and communicate to orchestrate cell shape acquisition and hence, morphogenesis of entire organs.

Using the leaf pavement epidermal cells of Arabidopsis thaliana as model, we will establish a multidisciplinary platform that integrates genetics, sophisticated microscopy, biophysics, and single cell transcriptomics, to elucidate the mechanismsof cell shape determination.

In three dedicated aims, we will generate a 4D geometrical and mechanical map of a leaf to determine the physical connections between layers, use it to decipher how the outermost surrounding layer influence epidermal cell shape determination in planta, and finally identify key molecular players to develop a mechanistic understanding of cell shape acquisition.

Beyond ground-breaking knowledge on how cell shape contributes to multicellularity and tissue integrity, this project will guide the development of stress-resilient plants, key for establishing sustainable agriculture and forestry in a changing climate.