3. ROS as a regulator of cell-to-cell communication
There is accumulating evidence for ROS and redox signaling as regulators of cell-to-cell communication via PD. ROS play a dual role in cell-to-cell communication, acting as both messengers and regulators. They are involved in diverse physiological processes, such as growth, development, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses (Benitez-Alfonso et al., 2011; Pelaez-Vico et al., 2022). ROS function as signaling molecules by modulating the activity of various proteins and enzymes, which in turn influence gene expression and cellular responses (Waszczak et al., 2018) (One example of ROS acting as signaling molecules exerting effects on PD is in organelle-nucleus-plasmodesmata signaling (ONPS, discussed below). In addition, ROS serve as direct regulators by engaging with proteins associated with PD, modulating their activity via various ways, and thereby impacting the exchange of molecules between plant cells through these pores (Waszczak et al., 2018). This finely tuned ROS-mediated communication network allows plants to adapt and coordinate their responses to changing conditions, ensuring their survival and successful growth in their dynamic environments.