The study of plasmodesmal biology using proximity labeling technologies

Plasmodesmata (PD) are essential cellular structures that facilitate intercellular communication in plants, enabling the transport of nutrients and signaling molecules. Over the past decades, significant strides have been made in unraveling the formation, function, and regulation of PD. Identification and functional characterization of PD-associated proteins have greatly advanced our understanding of PD. This review discusses past efforts in uncovering PD proteomes and highlights recent breakthroughs in applying proximity labeling (PL) assays to map plant protein interactomes. Special attention is given to using PL assays in studying PD biology, emphasizing their potential to drive future advancements and deepen our understanding of PD function and regulation. By integrating PL technologies with established methodologies, researchers can gain comprehensive insights into the dynamic composition and roles of PD.