Uclacyanin proteins are required for lignified nanodomain formation within Casparian strips

Abstract

Casparian strips (CS) are cell wall modifications of vascular plants restricting extracellular free diffusion into and out the vascular system. This barrier plays a critical role in controlling the acquisition of nutrients and water necessary for normal plant development. CS are formed by the precise deposition of a band of lignin approximately 2 m wide and 150 nm thick spanning the apoplastic space between adjacent endodermal cells. Here, we identified a copper-containing protein, Uclacyanin1 (UCC1) that is sub-compartmentalised within the CS. UCC1 forms a central CS nanodomain in comparison with other CS-located proteins that are found to be mainly accumulated at the periphery of the CS. We found that loss-of-function of two uclacyanins (UCC1 and UCC2) reduces lignification specifically in this central CS nanodomain, revealing a nano-compartmentalised machinery for lignin polymerisation. This lack of lignification leads to increased endodermal permeability, and consequently to a loss of mineral nutrient homeostasis.