Quantitative analysis of the cellular growth dynamics during lateral plant growth

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Organ expansion represents a fascinating example of cellular coordination during the development of multicellular organisms. Lateral growth of plant shoot and root axes is mediated by the cambium, a group of stem cells producing very rigid tissues in a bidirectional manner. In this project, we leverage the anatomical features of cambium-based organ growth and probe the role of mechanical forces applied by surrounding tissues in instructing stem cell behavior. Based on preliminary data from the first funding period obtained by computational modelling and genetic approaches altering cell wall rigidity we hypothesize that mechanical stress generated by differentiating xylem cells, influence the division orientation of cambium stem cells. In the project, a PhD student and a postdoc will test this hypothesis by targeted modulations of cell wall properties and of microtubule regulation, in silico modelling of inter-tissue forces and Brillouin spectroscopy. Thereby and by being firmly embedded into the current consortium, the project explores a fundamental aspect of organ morphogenesis and contributes to the discovery of general morphodynamic principles.