Asal Atakhani

The paper shows that counter-gradient growth and cuticle integrity maintain apical hook curvature in plants through mechanical and biochemical coordination.

The paper challenges the traditional view of cell-cell adhesion in plants by showing that outer epidermal edges, not the middle lamella, are critical for tissue integrity through mechanical stress analysis and structural characterization.

This study identifies RG-II dimerization as critical for cell adhesion in plants and shows its connection to cell wall integrity sensors and brassinosteroid signaling.