Why so sticky? Unravelling glandular trichome chemistry through single cell transcriptomics

The evolution of plant trichomes has in part been driven by interactions with animals. For example, some trichomes are glandular and secrete sticky and/or toxic secondary metabolites that deter herbivory. How trichomes generate, traffic and secrete such diverse molecules is still largely unknown. To address this, we use the sticky, insect-catching glandular hairs of the carnivorous sundew plant (Drosera spp.) as a novel model system. Using single cell RNA-sequencing, we now provide a cell type-specific transcriptional atlas of an isolated, multicellular plant glandular structure. Our results may shed light on how non-carnivorous plant trichomes generate sticky secretions.