Genetius

Using a microfluidic valve rootchip, the study simultaneously tracked ROS and calcium dynamics in compressed roots and found three kinetic phases linking mechanosensitive channel activity, NADPH oxidase‑dependent ROS accumulation, and secondary calcium influx. Pharmacological inhibition revealed that a fast calcium response is mediated by plasma‑membrane mechanosensitive channels, while a slower calcium increase is driven by ROS production.

The study demonstrates that the FERONIA receptor-like kinase promotes cuticle formation in the epidermis, which restricts wound‑induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) spread and limits uncontrolled callus formation. Cuticle defects trigger NADPH oxidase‑dependent ROS production, leading to excessive callus, whereas cuticle deposition in nearby mesophyll cells suppresses ROS propagation and triggers programmed cell death near the wound, highlighting the cuticle's defensive role in aerial tissues.