Multi-modal cross-scale imaging technologies and their applications in plant network analysis.

Yining XIE; Yuchen KOU; Yanhui YUAN; Jinbo SHEN; Xiaohong ZHUANG; Jinxing LIN; Xi ZHANG

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Multi-modal cross-scale imaging technologies and their applications in plant network analysis.

Author: Yining XIE ¹ ; Yuchen KOU ¹ ; Yanhui YUAN ¹ ; Jinbo SHEN ² ; Xiaohong ZHUANG ³ ; Jinxing LIN ¹ ; Xi ZHANG ¹
Author Information

1. State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
2. State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 313300, Zhejiang, China.
3. State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, Research Center for Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
Publication Type:English Abstract
Keywords: molecular network; multi-modal cross-scale imaging technology; multicellular network; three-dimensional reconstruction; topological analysis
MeSH: Plants/metabolism*; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods*; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods*; Multimodal Imaging/methods*; Plant Physiological Phenomena
From: Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2559-2578
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: A complete plant body consists of elements on different scales, including microscopic molecules, mesoscopic multicellular structures, and macroscopic tissues and organs, which are interconnected to form complex biological networks. The growth and development of plants involve the regulation of elements on different scales and their biological networks, which requires the coordinated operation of multiple molecules, cells, tissues, and organs. It is difficult to reveal the essence of multi-level life activities by a single method or technology. In recent years, the development of various novel imaging technologies has provided new approaches for revealing the complex life activities in plants. Using multi-modal imaging technologies to study the cross-scale network connections of plants from the microscopic, mesoscopic, and macroscopic levels is crucial for understanding the complex internal connections behind biological functions. This paper first summarizes multi-modal cross-scale imaging technologies, three-dimensional reconstruction, and image processing methods, outlines the basic framework of cross-scale network connection properties, and then summarizes the applications of multi-modal imaging technologies in elucidating plant multi-scale networks. Finally, this review systematically integrates the combined analysis of cross-scale 3D spatial structural data and single-cell omics, laying a theoretical foundation for the innovation of novel plant imaging technologies. Furthermore, it provides a new research paradigm for in-depth exploration of the interaction mechanisms among cross-scale elements and the principles of biological network connectivity in plant life activities.