Preparation and Imaging of Specialized ER Using Super-Resolution and TEM Techniques.

The plant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms several specialized structures. These include the sieve element reticulum (SER) and the desmotubule formed as the ER passes through plasmodesmata. Imaging both of these structures has been inhibited by the resolution limits of light microscopy and their relatively inaccessible locations, combined with the fragile nature of the ER.

A Palette of Minimally Tagged Sucrose Analogues for Real-Time Raman Imaging of Intracellular Plant Metabolism.

Sucrose is the main saccharide used for long-distance transport in plants and plays an essential role in energy metabolism; however, there are no analogues for real-time imaging in live cells. We have optimised a synthetic approach to prepare sucrose analogues including very small (≈50 Da or less) Raman tags in the fructose moiety. Spectroscopic analysis identified the alkyne-tagged compound as a sucrose analogue recognised by endogenous transporters in live cells and with higher Raman intensity than other sucrose derivatives.

A Palette of Minimally Tagged Sucrose Analogues for Real-Time Raman Imaging of Intracellular Plant Metabolism.

Sucrose is the main saccharide used for long-distance transport in plants and plays an essential role in energy metabolism; however, there are no analogues for real-time imaging in live cells. We have optimised a synthetic approach to prepare sucrose analogues including very small (≈50 Da or less) Raman tags in the fructose moiety. Spectroscopic analysis identified the alkyne-tagged compound 6 as a sucrose analogue recognised by endogenous transporters in live cells and with higher Raman intensity than other sucrose derivatives.

Controlling intercellular flow through mechanosensitive plasmodesmata nanopores.

In plants, plasmodesmata (PD) are nanopores that serve as channels for molecular cell-to-cell transport. Precise control of PD permeability is essential to regulate processes such as growth and tissue patterning, photoassimilate distribution and defense against pathogens. Callose deposition modulates PD transport but little is known of the rapid events that lead to PD closure in response to tissue damage or osmotic shock.

The Coumarin Glucoside, Esculin, Reveals Rapid Changes in Phloem-Transport Velocity in Response to Environmental Cues.

The study of phloem transport and its vital roles in long-distance communication and carbon allocation have been hampered by a lack of suitable tools that allow high-throughput, real-time studies. Esculin, a fluorescent coumarin glucoside, is recognized by Suc transporters, including AtSUC2, which loads it into the phloem for translocation to sink tissues. These properties make it an ideal tool for use in live-imaging experiments, where it acts as a surrogate for Suc.