Glandular trichomes are epidermal protuberances present on aerial parts of approximately 1/3 of known plant species. They are abundantly found in the Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Cannabaceae and Solanaceae families. They vary in shape, size, and cell number, but in general, they consist of differentiated basal cells, a few stalk cells and secretory cells surrounded by large sub-cuticular storage cavities. These structures are specialized in biosynthesis, secretion and storage of a vast array of compounds. Their metabolism is largely separated from the central cellular, which makes them a good model for studying plant secondary metabolism, e.g. biosynthesis of cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and many other.

Glandular trichomes are an example of plant fine-tuned “biochemical factories”, and thanks to their characteristics they also represent a promising biosynthetic platform useful in studying biotechnology and biocatalysis. Through our research, we aim at improving our understanding of the biochemical system of glandular trichome microenvironment, and also apply new knowledge in studies with translational potential. With the help of genetic engineering, we plan to demonstrate chosen biochemical reactions occurring in glandular trichomes and test the catalytical potential of developed biosynthetic models.

We have stated several biological questions regarding the nature and function of metabolomic and proteomic components of the glandular trichome microenvironment. We think that answering them will help to understand the biochemical processes occurring in these highly evolved structures better, and also show both the simplicity and complexity of glandular trichome biosynthetic machinery. By conducting metabolomic, proteomic and transcriptomic analyses we aim to achieve comparative data describing glandular trichome microenvironment in various stages of development, and also between analysed plant species with a particular focus on Cannabis L. and Solanum L. genera. We think the results will help to identify biochemical components and explain the roles they may play in the glandular trichome microenvironment.

The Project OPUS 25 “Biochemical system of glandular trichome microenvironment, its biocatalytic properties and potential in biotechnology” (2023/49/B/NZ1/02898) is funded by the National Science Centre (Poland).