{
  "id": 5954396,
  "title": "Spatiotemporal pectin remodelling, glycoproteins, and LEA proteins maintain cell wall integrity during desiccation and rehydration in Ramonda serbica",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/spatiotemporal-pectin-remodelling-glycoproteins-and-lea-proteins",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-06T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "bioRxiv",
    "slug": "biorxiv",
    "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.03.749093v1?rss=1"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Vegetative desiccation tolerance is a crucial adaptation in resurrection plants like Ramonda serbica to endure extreme dehydration and subsequent rehydration without damage. While intracellular protective mechanisms are well-studied, the response of the cell wall (CW) during these events is not as clear. In this study, researchers employed various techniques such as immunocytochemistry, FTIR spectroscopy, and proteomics to investigate CW changes during hydrated, desiccated, and rehydrated states. They observed that reversible CW folding was achieved through the condensation of arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) and extensins, along with a dynamic interplay between pectin methylation and demethylation. Additionally, an accumulation of CW-bound hydroxycinnamates provided structural support throughout the rehydration process. Moreover, the researchers discovered the presence of basic 7S globulin, miraculin, -galactosidase, and two LEA4 protein family members within the CW during desiccation and the initial phase of rehydration. These findings suggest that ionically bound LEA proteins play a significant role in helping the CW regain its original structure, gene expression, and proteome profile within 24-48 hours after rehydration. The study reveals a complex network of glycoproteins, pectin modulation, hydroxycinnamic acid binding, and LEA4 proteins that work together to facilitate rapid recovery of the CW after desiccation.",
  "summary": "Vegetative desiccation tolerance requires specialised cell wall (CW) adaptations to withstand severe mechanical stress during dehydration and rehydration. While intracellular protective strategies in resurrection plants, including Ramonda serbica, are well documented, the CW response remains poorly understood. Here, we integrated immunocytochemical profiling, FTIR spectroscopy, quantification of…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}