A molecular glue: LecRK-I.9 creates stiff plasma membrane – cell wall connections

Because of its role as an interface, the plasma membrane – cell wall nexus is a signaling hub in all walled organisms. It is also a key structural component, being essential to maintain the integrity of the cell. In plants, many plasma membrane proteins have been shown to bind cell wall components, but with no obvious structural role. Conversely, the formation of Hechtian strands has revealed the existence of stiff structural hotspots, where plasma membrane is glued to the cell wall, even in the absence of plasmodesmata. However, the molecular factors behind this behavior remain elusive. Here, we bridge these two angles. Through a screen of candidate proteins, we reveal that the receptor-like kinase LecRK-I.9 plays the role of a strong molecular glue at the plant cell cortex. Through deletion experiments, we find that the adhesive function of LecRK-I.9 requires the presence of a lectin domain. Upon hyperosmotic stress, LecRK-I.9 formed immobile clusters, whereas lectin-deleted versions of LecRK-I.9 clusters were mobile. Cluster size and density correlated with the expected magnitude of mechanical stress in the wall before plasmolysis, further suggesting that the development of stiff adhesive hotspots through LecRK-I.9 is regulated by stress in the wall. Altogether, this provides a scenario in which a subclass of lectin receptor-like kinases patterns the plasma membrane through stiff attachment sites, in response to stress.