GrowDeep2 · Molecular basis of root mechanical homeostasis in the context of substrate compaction

Global warming and intensive farming are responsible for heavy soil compaction, resulting in hard soils with low water content. Thissets very challenging conditions for plant growth and the penetration of roots into the soil: roots must keep adapting the mechanicalproperties of their cell wall to tackle variations of the mechanical constraints in the soil and maintain growth. Mechanostasis describesthis process of adaptation to maintain mechanical homeostasis. In this project, we aim to identify new molecular pathwaysresponsible for root mechanostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana using random mutagenesis followed by screening on various soilsubstitutes mimicking soil compaction and water scarcity, and a single cell RNA sequencing on plants grown in light or compactedsoils. This technique will help us understand spatial regulation of mechanostasis in the roots and molecular adaptations to changes inthe mechanical constraints. Together, these elements will help us understand how plants can adapt to nowadays challenges