Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina, United States
Abstract Text: Guard cells play a critical role in regulating stomatal dynamics, balancing gas exchange and water conservation while responding to environmental cues. However, their molecular responses to biotic and abiotic stresses remain incompletely understood. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we analyzed the transcriptional landscapes of guard cells under diverse stress conditions, including pathogen infection, drought, and heat. Applying an advanced computational pipeline, we constructed gene regulatory networks that reveal distinct gene expression signatures and key regulators of stress adaptation, particularly transcription factors. Notably, we identified both stress-specific and overlapping molecular responses, suggesting a coordinated regulatory network governing stomatal immunity and water-use efficiency. Functional validation of candidate genes through mutant analysis is underway. These findings enhance our understanding of guard cell plasticity and provide potential targets for improving crop resilience against environmental challenges.
