A mechanosensitive ion channel controls touch-triggered stigma movement through manipulation of calcium signature in Torenia

Xuan Zhou, Binghou Li, Jiahuizi Li, Yufei Sun, Ruohan Xie, Tetsuya Higashiyama, Shi Xiao, Guorong Xin () and Shihao Su ()
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Xuan Zhou: Sun Yat-sen University
Binghou Li: Sun Yat-sen University
Jiahuizi Li: Sun Yat-sen University
Yufei Sun: Sun Yat-sen University
Ruohan Xie: Sun Yat-sen University
Tetsuya Higashiyama: The University of Tokyo
Shi Xiao: Sun Yat-sen University
Guorong Xin: Sun Yat-sen University
Shihao Su: Sun Yat-sen University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Rapid movements of plant structures triggered by mechanical force have been documented for centuries; however, how plant cells sense mechanical stimuli and generate rapid response remains unknown. Here we show the central role of a mechanosensitive channel gene in touch-triggered rapid stigma movement of Torenia fournieri. T. fournieri possesses a bilobed stigma sensitive to mechanical stimuli. Using live-cell calcium imaging, we detect that touch induces a wave of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) essential for stigma movement. Transcriptomic analysis reveals distinct gene expression profiles between the stigma and style, leading to the identification of the MscS-like gene JUE1, predominantly expressed in stigmas. Stigmas of jue1 mutants exhibit complete loss of touch-triggered movement, confirming its role as a key regulator in sensitive stigma movement. JUE1 is required for rapid propagation of the touch-induced [Ca2+]cyt, as cell-to-cell spreading of the [Ca2+]cyt wave is impaired in the jue1. To conclude, we report a plant mechanosensitive ion channel involved in touch-triggered organ movement by modulating calcium dynamics.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61770-6

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