SPS Summer School 2022 - Plant cell walls in development, plant-microbe interactions and for the bioeconomy

The study of the cell wall is an important research frontier in plant biology. Over the past decade, the field has seen major technological and conceptual advances. In addition, the study of cell wall structure and metabolism has become an integral part of the research on plant development and the adaptation to abiotic and biotic stresses. A better knowledge of the cell wall is also essential for the optimization of lignocellulosic biomass processing procedures in the framework of the emerging bioeconomy.

This SPS Summer School 2022 will provide the participants with an introduction in chemistry, biophysics, molecular and cell biology in relation to the plant cell wall.

It will bring together up to 18 participants from all over the world and offer them the chance to receive scientific training in an international and rather informal atmosphere, facilitating exchanges. This course will involve theoretical lectures delivered by world-class experts and hands on practical courses on state of the art technologies.

Provisional program

This Summer School will include:

> Theoretical modules (12 hours):

Leading scientists will hold lectures on the topics of the summer school, giving the participants a comprehensive insight into the latest research findings and identifying key open questions in the field.

- Cell wall polysaccharide structures and interactions

- Cell wall modifying enzymes

- Hemicellulose-cellulose interactions through in vitro physico-chemical approaches

- Cell wall and plant-pathogens interactions

- Using genetics to study cell walls

- Studying cell wall nanostructure using super resolution microscopy

- Studying cell expansion using of sensors and live cell imaging

- Studying cell wall structure using spectroscopic techniques

- Studying cell wall polymer structures using X-ray diffraction

- Studying cell wall synthesis and assembly using structural biology

- Cell wall micromechanics and plant development

- Lignin structure, engineering and utilization

- Cell biology of cell wall synthesis and growth

> Practical sessions (16 hours)

Participants will choose one of the 3 following topics:

1. Biomass multiscale characterization
Variation in biomass composition and stem histology – Case study in maize
> Histology (Microscopy and image analysis / quantification)
> NIRS predictions
> Biomass pretreatment and hydrolysis
> Lignin characterization

2. A cytological approach to cell wall polymer architecture and mechanics
An introduction into technologies to study the nanostructure and mechanics of plant cell walls
> Super-resolution microscopy
- Immuno-histochemistry: sample preparation for super-resolution and confocal microscopy
- Data analysis and post processing of multicolor 3D dSTORM microscopy
> Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

3. Composition, architecture and specialized functions of cell wall polysaccharides in seeds
In situ and biochemical analysis of the composition and structure of cell wall – Case study with Brassicaceae seeds
> Histological analysis of seed mucilage (staining, confocal and polarized microscopy)
> Biochemical analysis of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides (GC-MS, Q-TOF)

> Presentations of the participants’ projects

> Visits of SPS labs

> Cultural excursion at the Versailles Castle

This varied program will give plenty of opportunities for discussion with speakers and the other participants.