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.