Building and breaking of a barrier: Suberin plasticity and function in the endodermis

Plant cells coated with hydrophobic compounds constitute a protective barrier to control movement of materials through plant tissues. In roots, the endodermis develops two barriers: the Casparian strips establish an apoplastic barrier and suberin lamellae prevent diffusion through the plasma membrane. Suberin is a complex biopolymer and its deposition is highly responsive to the environment. While the enzymatic framework involved in suberin biosynthesis is well characterized, subsequent steps in suberin formation and regulation remained elusive. Recent publications, studying suberin from a cell biological perspective, have enriched our knowledge on suberin transport and polymerization in the cell wall. These studies have also elucidated the molecular mechanisms controlling suberin biosynthesis and regulation as well as its physiological role in plant abiotic and biotic interactions.

Automated summary

Plant cells are protected by a hydrophobic barrier, with the endodermis developing Casparian strips and suberin lamellae to control material movement. While the enzymes involved in suberin biosynthesis are well characterized, further steps in suberin formation and regulation are still unclear. Recent studies on suberin from a cell biological perspective have provided insights into suberin transport and polymerization in the cell wall, revealing the molecular mechanisms controlling suberin biosynthesis and regulation in plant interactions.