The Plant Cell Wall: Structural Dynamics, Functions, and Future Innovations
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2025 | Viewed by 72
Special Issue Editors
Interests: abiotic/biotic stress effects on plants; plant cell biology; phytomorphogenesis; plant biomass utilization; innovative ecological quality monitoring systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: molecular plant development; genetics; ubiquitin ligase complexes; histone methylation complexes; plant cell wall; abiotic stress; plant secondary metabolism and PNPs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The plant cell wall is a highly dynamic and multifunctional structure fundamental to plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation. It consists of a complex matrix primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, and glycoproteins, providing both structural integrity and the capacity for dynamic remodeling in response to external stimuli. Unlike the primary cell wall, which is flexible, in order to support cell expansion, the secondary cell wall—characterized by its reinforced composition with lignin—confers additional mechanical strength, rigidity, and resistance to environmental stresses, making it crucial for vascular tissues and structural support.
The biosynthesis and modification of both primary and secondary cell walls are orchestrated by specialized enzymatic processes. Cellulose synthase complexes catalyze cellulose synthesis, while glycosyltransferases mediate hemicellulose and pectin assembly. In the secondary cell wall, lignin polymerization is facilitated by laccases and peroxidases, reinforcing its structural role and contributing to water transport efficiency in xylem vessels.
Beyond their architectural functions, both primary and secondary cell walls play essential roles in plant defense. Under abiotic stress, cell wall remodeling enhances water retention and mechanical resilience, particularly in tissues with secondary wall thickening. In response to biotic stress, wall-derived signaling molecules activate immune responses, strengthening plant defense mechanisms. The unique properties of the secondary cell wall also make it a valuable resource for industrial applications, including in biofuels, timber, textiles, paper production, and biocomposites.
Advances in genomics and synthetic biology are paving the way for the engineering of plant cell walls to optimize stress resilience, improve biomass yield, and enhance the efficiency of renewable material production. We invite researchers and experts to contribute original studies and reviews exploring the structural dynamics of both primary and secondary cell walls, driving innovation in plant biology and sustainable bioeconomic solutions.
Dr. Ioannis-Dimosthenis Adamakis
Dr. Kosmas Haralampidis
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- plant cell wall
- biosynthesis
- biomass
- abiotic stress
- biotic stress
- renewable resources
- biotechnology
- climate change
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