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Root cap–derived cells and mucilage: a protective network at the root tip

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Abstract

Root cap–derived cells and mucilage provide the first line of defense of the plant against soil microbial pathogens. These cells form a mucilaginous root extracellular trap (RET), which also harbors a range of molecules including exDNA and defensive peptides and proteins much like the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) of mammalians. Plant RETs resemble mucus structures found in mammalian systems and are rich in arabinogalactan proteins that have similarities to highly glycosylated human mucins. Human mucus and mucins regulate the intestinal flora microbiome through recruiting certain species of microbes and it is plausible that the arabinogalactan protein–rich mucilage found in plant roots fulfills a similar function by attracting specific microbes to the rhizosphere. The role of RETs in root defense functioning is highlighted.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge all the students who contributed (and are contributing) to the research on the structural and functional properties of root cap–derived cells in our laboratory.

Funding

This study received financial support from the University of Rouen Normandy (Fra), the University of Stellenbosh (RSA), and la Région de Normandie.

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Author notes

  1. Azeddine Driouich and Alexia Gaudry contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. UNIROUEN, Normandie Université, Laboratoire Glycobiologie Et Matrice Extracellulaire Végétale EA 4358, Université de Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France

    Azeddine Driouich, Alexia Gaudry & Barbara Pawlak

  2. UNIROUEN, Fédération de Recherche, Normandie Université, Normandie Végétal-FED 4277, Université de Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France

    Azeddine Driouich, Alexia Gaudry & Barbara Pawlak

  3. Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Faculty of AgriSciences, South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602, South Africa

    John P. Moore

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  1. Azeddine Driouich
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  2. Alexia Gaudry
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  3. Barbara Pawlak
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  4. John P. Moore
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Correspondence to Azeddine Driouich.

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In memory of Ursula Lütz-Meindl

“We believe that there is no structure in plants more wonderful, as far as its functions are concerned, than the tip of the radicle”—Darwin (1880)

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Driouich, A., Gaudry, A., Pawlak, B. et al. Root cap–derived cells and mucilage: a protective network at the root tip. Protoplasma 258, 1179–1185 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-021-01660-y

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