Vascular bundle sheath and mesophyll regulation of leaf water balance in response to chitin

Abstract

Plants can detect pathogen invasion by sensing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). This sensing process leads to the induction of defense responses. Most PAMP mechanisms of action have been described in the guard cells. Here, we describe the effects of chitin, a PAMP found in fungal cell walls, on the cellular osmotic water permeability (Pf) of the leaf vascular bundle-sheath (BS) and mesophyll cells and its subsequent effect on leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf).\n\nThe BS is a parenchymatic tissue that tightly encases the vascular system. BS cells have been shown to control Kleaf through changes in their Pf, for example, in response to ABA. It was recently reported that, in Arabidopsis, the chitin receptors chitin elicitor receptor kinase 1 (CERK1) and LYSINE MOTIF RECEPTOR KINASE 5 (LYK5) are highly expressed in the BS, as well as the neighboring mesophyll. Therefore, we studied the possible impact of chitin on these cells.\n\nOur results revealed that both BS cells and mesophyll cells exhibit a sharp decrease in Pf in response to chitin treatment. In addition, xylem-fed chitin decreased Kleaf and led to stomatal closure. However, an Atlyk5 mutant showed none of these responses. Complimenting AtLYK5 specifically in the BS cells (using the SCARECROW promoter) and transient expresion in mesophyll cells each resulted in a response to chitin that was similar to that observed in the wild type. These results suggest that BS and mesophyll cells each play a role in the perception of apoplastic chitin and in initiating chitin-triggered immunity.\n\nSignificance StatementPAMP perception by plant receptors triggers various defense responses important for plant immunity. Here we provide new insights into a topic that has received a great deal of previous attention, revealing that a chitin immune response is present in additional leaf tissues other than the stomata. Chitin perception by the bundle sheath cells enwrapping the whole leaf vascular system decrease its cellular osmotic permeability and leaf hydraulic conductance. This in turn, leads to hydraulic signals being sent to the stomata and regulates whole-leaf water balance in response to chitin application and, perhaps, during fungal infection. Emphasizing the dynamic role of the BS in chitin-sensing and water balance regulation.