Analysis of LLPS in Plant Immunity

Plant communities can regulate plant growth and developmental processes through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). CD BioSciences is committed to studying the emerging role of plant phase separation with the aim to provide comprehensive analytical services to explore LLPS in plant immunity.

Introduction to LLPS in Phytohormone Signaling

Plant hormones play an important role in controlling various aspects of plant growth and development, including embryogenesis, organ size, morphogenesis, adaptation to the environment, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and reproductive development. Plants have developed complex innate and induced immune responses that are regulated by several plant hormones, including growth hormone, salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene, which induce genome-wide transcriptional reprogramming to trigger an effective immune response. It has been shown that these transcriptional regulators can form condensates and also play an important role in isolating different components of the stress response in the cytoplasm to promote plant survival during pathogen-effector-triggered immunity (ETI).

Fig. 1. Plant IDP/IDR members and their spatial regulation, broad specificity, and switch of signaling and physiological status. (Hsiao A S, 2022)

Customized Services

CD BioSciences is a leading company focused on biomolecular condensates analysis and characterization services, providing state-of-the-art technology to study LLPS in plant immunity. Through advanced technology and cutting-edge equipment, CD BioSciences enables customers to gain insight into the potential mechanisms and functional significance of LLPS in plant defense.

We offer integrated cellular biochemical and biophysical approaches to analyze the role of intrinsic disorders and phase separation on the function and regulation of biomolecular condensates in plant immunity. These biomolecular condensates include non-expresser of pathogenesis-related gene1 (NPR1), auxin-responsive factor (ARF), ABA insensitive 5 (ABI5), ethylene-responsive transcription factor 4 (ERF4), etc.

Our services include but are not limited to:

• Proteomics Analysis
  Proteomic analysis is essential to reveal the molecular composition and functional properties of phase-separated compartments involved in plant immunity. CD BioSciences offers advanced proteomics techniques including mass spectrometry and protein identification (e.g. NMR, fluorescence, and far-UV circular dichroism) to quantify in vitro the inherently disordered regions of biomolecular condensates in plant immunity and to determine their propensity for liquid-liquid phase separation.
• Microscopic Analysis
  We offer high-resolution microscopy techniques such as confocal microscopy and super-resolution microscopy to visualize phase-separated compartments within plant cells. By using fluorescently labeled proteins or specific dyes, we can observe the dynamics and spatial organization of biomolecular condensates involved in the immune response of plants.
• Characterization of Biophysical Properties
  We offer a wide range of biophysical characterization techniques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), to assess the size, stability, and mobility of biomolecular condensates of plant immune responses. By studying the physical properties of phase-separated compartments, we can help you gain insight into the factors that influence their formation, solubility, and functional relevance in plant defense.
• Genetic Manipulation and Functional Studies
  We also offer genetic manipulation and functional studies to investigate the role of specific proteins and genes in LLPS-mediated plant immunity. Through gene knockout, overexpression, and RNA interference techniques, our technical team can manipulate the expression levels of key proteins involved in LLPS.

Through advanced microscopy, proteomic analysis, biophysical characterization, and genetic manipulation, CD BioSciences can analyze the mechanisms and functions of LLPS in plant defense. We aim to advance the understanding of plant immune responses and develop strategies to enhance plant resistance to pathogens. If you have any special requirements for our services, please feel free to contact us.