Connecting the pieces: uncovering the molecular basis for long‐distance communication through plant grafting

First author: Hannah R. Thomas; Affiliations: Cornell University (康奈尔大学): Ithaca, USA

Corresponding author: Margaret H. Frank

Vascular plants are wired with a remarkable long‐distance communication system. This network can span from as little as a few centimeters (or less) in species like Arabidopsis, up to 100 m in the tallest giant sequoia, linking distant organ systems into a unified, multicellular organism. Grafting is a fundamental technique that allows researchers to physically break apart and reassemble the long‐distance transport system, enabling the discovery of molecular signals that underlie intra‐organismal communication. In this review, we highlight how plant grafting has facilitated the discovery of new long‐distance signaling molecules that function in coordinating developmental transitions, abiotic and biotic responses, and cross‐species interactions. This rapidly expanding area of research, offers sustainable approaches for improving plant performance in the lab, the field, the orchard, and beyond.

维管植物具有非常独特的长距离通讯系统。该网络在不同物种中的尺度差异巨大，从拟南芥中的几厘米到红杉中的数百米，这些网络连接着植物不同部位的器官形成一个整体的、多细胞生物。嫁接是一种十分重要的技术，研究人员可以将植物打断，然后再重组长距离运输系统，进而可以研究植物不同器官间通讯的分子信号。本文中，作者综述了植物嫁接是如何用于鉴定植物长距离信号分子的发现的，这些信号分子作用于植物的发育状态转变、生物和非生物胁迫响应以及不同物种间的互作。该领域的快速发展为试验、大田、果园等植物的表型改良提供了一个可持续的方法。

通讯：Margaret H. Frank (https://www.franklab-cornell.org)

个人简介：2003-2007年，巴纳德学院，生物学学士；2008-2014年，康奈尔大学，植物生物学博士。

研究方向：植物嫁接。

doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.15772

Journal: New Phytologist

First Published: March 04, 2019