Sphingolipid biosynthesis modulates plasmodesmal ultrastructure and phloem unloading

Dawei Yan, Shri Ram Yadav, Andrea Paterlini, William J. Nicolas, Jules D. Petit, Lysiane Brocard, Ilya Belevich, Magali S. Grison, Anne Vaten, Leila Karami, Sedeer el-Showk, Jung Youn Lee, Gosia M. Murawska, Jenny Mortimer, Michael Knoblauch, Eija Jokitalo, Jonathan E. Markham, Emmanuelle M. Bayer, Ykä Helariutta

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

During phloem unloading, multiple cell-to-cell transport events move organic substances to the root meristem. Although the primary unloading event from the sieve elements to the phloem pole pericycle has been characterized to some extent, little is known about post-sieve element unloading. Here, we report a novel gene, PHLOEM UNLOADING MODULATOR (PLM), in the absence of which plasmodesmata-mediated symplastic transport through the phloem pole pericycle–endodermis interface is specifically enhanced. Increased unloading is attributable to a defect in the formation of the endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane tethers during plasmodesmal morphogenesis, resulting in the majority of pores lacking a visible cytoplasmic sleeve. PLM encodes a putative enzyme required for the biosynthesis of sphingolipids with very-long-chain fatty acid. Taken together, our results indicate that post-sieve element unloading involves sphingolipid metabolism, which affects plasmodesmal ultrastructure. They also raise the question of how and why plasmodesmata with no cytoplasmic sleeve facilitate molecular trafficking.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)604-615
Number of pages12
JournalNature Plants
Volume5
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Plant Science

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