Looking at mechanobiology through an evolutionary lens

Mechanical forces were arguably among the first stimuli to be perceived by cells, and they continue to shape the evolution of all organisms. Great strides have been made in recent years in the field of plant cell and molecular mechanobiology, in part owing to focused efforts on key model systems. Here, we propose to enrich such work through evolutionary mecha-nobiology, or 'evo-mechano', and describe three major themes that could drive research in this area. We use plastid evo-mechano as a case study, describing how plastids from different lineages perceive their mechanical environments, how their mechanical properties vary across lineages, and their distinct roles in graviperception. Finally, we argue that future research into the biomechanical properties and mechanobiological signaling mechanisms that have been elaborated by green species over the past 1.5 billion years will help us understand both the universal and the unique adap-tations of plants to their physical environment.

Automated summary

This article discusses the important role of mechanical forces in cell and biological evolution, proposes enriching research in plant cell and molecular mechanobiology through evolutionary mechanobiology, and describes three main research themes. Using plastid evolutionary mechanobiology as a case study, it delves into how plastids from different lineages perceive mechanical environments, how their mechanical properties vary across lineages, and their unique roles in graviperception. Future research into biomechanical properties and mechanobiological signaling mechanisms in green species over the past 1.5 billion years is argued to help understand plants' universal and unique adaptations to their physical environment.