FLAME - Fret Light-sheet Automated Micro Extensometer

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Understanding how plants obtain their size and shape is vital as it controls the functions of organs, their ability to withstand stress and regulates yields. Plant cells are surrounded by cell walls. In order for the cells to grow these walls must soften so that they can expand. This softening is coordinated so that parts of the tissue soften and others do not, enabling the emergence of complex shapes. Where this cell wall softening occurs is controlled by gene networks and the actions of the hormones that they encode. There is also feedback that exists within the system whereby the gene expression can be controlled by mechanical stresses that build up as a result of their actions. The direct link between gene expression and the final shape of the organ is poorly understood due to the difficulties associated with obtaining data that show gene expression or hormone levels at the same time are revealing mechanical properties. Most current methods require the sequential acquisition of data or are restricted to the surface of the tissue and thus do not provide information on the internal layers. Here we propose to address this by combining a small extensometer that can apply forces to tissue with a light-sheet microscope that is capable of imaging internal layers rapidly and with high resolution. This will provide insight into the process of development and also other processes that feed into it.