Noninvasive and continuous recordings of auxin fluxes in intact root apex with a carbon nanotube-modified and self-referencing microelectrode.
Auxin (also known as indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) represents an ancient signaling molecule of plants that also exerts bioactive actions on yeast and animal cells. Importantly, IAA emerges as a new anticancer agent due to the ability of oxidatively activated IAA to selectively kill tumor cells. IAA acts as a pheromone-like molecule in brown algae, whereas the hormone concept of IAA dominates current plant biology. However, recent advances also favor the morphogen- and transmitter-like nature of IAA in plants, making this small molecule one of the most unique molecules in the eukaryotic superkingdom. Here, we introduce new technology for the continuous measuring of IAA fluxes in living cells, tissues, and whole organs that is based on a carbon nanotube-modified and self-referencing microelectrode specific for IAA. This technique not only will advance our knowledge of how IAA regulates plant development but will also be applicable in medicine for its potential use in cancer therapy.
Mancuso
Stefano
S
Dipartimento di Ortoflorofrutticoltura, Polo Scientifico, Università di Firenze, viale delle idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy. stefano.mancuso@unifi.it
Marras
Anna Maria
AM
Magnus
Volker
V
Baluska
Frantisek
F
D001692:Biological Transport; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008839:Microelectrodes; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D010984:Platinum / Q000737:chemistry
D007210:Indoleacetic Acids; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D010984:Platinum; C030737:indoleacetic acid