Mechanical regulation of cortical microtubules in plant cells

All living organisms are subjected to mechanical forces at all times. It has been reported that mechanics regulate many key cellular processes, including cell polarity establishment, cell division and gene expression, as a physical signal in both animal and plant development. Plant cells are exposed to several types of mechanical stresses, ranging from turgor-driven tensile stresses, mechanical force modified by heterogeneous growth directions and rates between neighbouring cells, to forces from the environment such as wind and rain, for which they have developed adaptive mechanisms. Increasing evidence has revealed that mechanical stresses markedly influence the alignment of cortical microtubules (CMTs) in plant cells, among other effects. CMTs are able to reorient in response to mechanical stresses at both the single-cell and tissue levels and always align with the maximal tensile stress direction. In this review, we discussed the known and potential molecules and pathways involved in the regulation of CMTs by mechanical stresses. We also summarized the available techniques that have allowed for mechanical perturbation. Finally, we highlighted several key questions remaining to be addressed in this emerging field.

Automated summary

Living organisms are constantly exposed to mechanical forces, which regulate key cellular processes in both animal and plant development. Plant cells experience various mechanical stresses, and cortical microtubules (CMTs) in plant cells are influenced by these stresses. CMTs can reorient in response to mechanical stresses and align with the direction of maximal tensile stress. This review discusses the regulation of CMTs by mechanical stresses, the molecules and pathways involved, available techniques for mechanical perturbation, and unanswered questions in this field.