GLO-Roots: an imaging platform enabling multidimensional characterization of soil-grown roots systems

Root systems develop different root types that individually sense cues from their local environment and integrate this information with systemic signals. This complex multi-dimensional amalgam of inputs enables continuous adjustment of root growth rates, direction and metabolic activity that define a dynamic physical network. Current methods for analyzing root biology balance physiological relevance with imaging capability. To bridge this divide, we developed an integrated imaging system called Growth and Luminescence Observatory for Roots (GLO-Roots) that uses luminescence-based reporters to enable studies of root architecture and gene expression patterns in soil-grown, light-shielded roots. We have developed image analysis algorithms that allow the spatial integration of soil properties, gene expression and root system architecture traits. We propose GLO-Roots as a system that has great utility in presenting environmental stimuli to roots in ways that evoke natural adaptive responses ...

植物根系可分化形成多种根型，每种根型均可独立感知其局部微环境中的信号，并将此类信息与系统性信号进行整合。这种由多维度输入信号构成的复杂整合体系，可持续调控根系的生长速率、生长方向与代谢活性，进而塑造出动态变化的实体网络。当前用于根系生物学研究的分析方法，需要在生理相关性与成像能力之间寻求平衡。为解决这一矛盾，我们研发了一款集成化成像系统——根系生长与发光观测平台（Growth and Luminescence Observatory for Roots，GLO-Roots），该系统借助基于发光的报告基因，可实现在土壤培养且遮光的根系中开展根系构型与基因表达模式的相关研究。我们还开发了配套的图像分析算法，可实现土壤特性、基因表达与根系构型性状三者的空间整合分析。我们认为，GLO-Roots系统可通过模拟可引发自然适应性响应的方式向根系施加环境刺激，具备极高的应用价值……