Special Seminar: Plant Single Cell Biology Search- Mingyuan Zhu, PhD – Biology Department, Duke University

CSB Special Seminar: Plant Single Cell Biology Search

Mingyuan Zhu, PhD

Biology Department, Duke University

TITLE: From molecules to organs: Single-cell insights into root adaptation to soil compaction

ABSTRACT:

Soil compaction represents a major challenge to modern agriculture. One major problem caused by soil compaction is that it exerts water stress on roots as moisture release is reduced from the smaller soil pores. Despite its agronomic importance, how roots respond to compacted soil conditions at the cellular level remains unclear. Here, we harmonize single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from over 79,000 rice root cells to generate a comprehensive organ-scale atlas for rice primary root tips. To accurately map local gene activity and annotate scRNA-seq data, we employed Molecular Cartography™, a spatial transcriptomic technology. It allowed us to explore in-situ gene expression profiles simultaneously for multiple genes. The iterative feedback loop between scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics significantly improved the quality of cell type annotation. To delve into the cell-level mechanisms governing root responses to soil compaction, we pioneered the use of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics on rice roots grown in soils. Through differential expression analysis comparing non-compacted and compacted soil-based single-cell transcriptomic data, we identified a significant up-regulation in the expression of genes responsible for water impermeable barrier formation in the outer root tissues (Exodermis). This gene up-regulation was induced by an enhanced biosynthesis of plant hormone, abscisic acid (ABA) and its release from the inner tissues (Phloem). The role of ABA in responses to soil compaction was further highlighted by the suppression of barrier formation in the exodermis in ABA-deficient rice mutants. In summary, our single cell resolution study revealed how root tissues coordinate to facilitate the retention of water in root tips during soil compaction stress.

HOST: Heather McFarlane

LOCATION: Cell and Systems Biology, 25 Harbord Street, Suite 432

ZOOM LINK: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/84237702989 

Meeting ID: 842 3770 2989

Passcode: 729859