Review. Dare to change, the dynamics behind plasmodesmata-mediated cell-to-cell communication (COPB)

A new review by Petit et al. skillfully highlights the role of plasmodesmata at the interface between cell biology and whole-plant physiology. These tiny channels that connect plant cells determine what moves from cell-to-cell symplastically, so have roles in just about everything, from developmental patterning and timing to defense. Here the authors cover the dynamic nature of plasmodesmata, both in terms of their structures and how they control the movement of signals and other molecules. This review explores the role of callose and structural and regulatory proteins such as Multiple C2 domains and Transmembrane region Proteins (MCTPs) in regulating plasmodesmata conductance, and the consequence of receptor protein localization to and from the plasmodesmata. (Summary by Mary Williams) Curr. Opin. Plant Biol. 10.1016/j.pbi.2019.10.009