Jan Willem Borst

Plant Acupuncture: a low-cost and open-source device for local mechanical stimulation

This paper introduces an open-source, low-cost device for applying precise mechanical stimuli to plant cells, enabling studies of mechanobiology.

Nanoclustering of a plant transcription factor enables strong yet specific DNA binding

This study shows that MpARF2 forms nanoclusters that enable high-affinity, switch-like, and sequence-specific DNA binding, distinct from monomeric or condensate-based mechanisms.

Subnuclear cofactor partitioning underlies auxin-dependent transcriptional regulation

The paper identifies a biochemical mechanism by which the MpARF1 transcription factor activates gene expression through subnuclear clustering and Mediator complex recruitment, revealing an evolutionary innovation in auxin response.

LipoTag: A minimal motif for live and functional imaging of plant cell membranes.

The paper introduces LipoTag, a chemical motif that enables functional imaging of plant cell membranes by making hydrophobic fluorophores water-soluble and wall-permeable.

Redox-dependent extracellular interaction networks of Cysteine-Rich Receptor-Like Kinases

This study identifies ROS-dependent dimerisation networks of CRKs in Arabidopsis, showing CRK28 as a redox-sensitive hub linking extracellular redox signals to immunity and senescence.

Diversification of functional requirements for proteolysis of Auxin Response Factors

The paper identifies a conserved residue critical for proteolysis of B-class ARF MpARF2 and shows differential functional impact of degradation in A-class MpARF1.

CarboTag: a modular approach for live and functional imaging of plant cell walls

CarboTag enables live functional imaging of plant cell walls by providing modular probes for multiplexing and quantifying key cell wall properties.

ARF degradation defines a deeply conserved step in auxin response

The paper identifies a minimal region responsible for ARF degradation in Marchantia polymorpha, showing it is critical for development and auxin response, and suggests ARF instability predates the auxin response system.