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Regulation of Actin Dynamics in Pollen Tubes: Control of Actin Polymer Level
Author(s) -
Chen Naizhi,
Qu Xiaolu,
Wu Youjun,
Huang Shanjin
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of integrative plant biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.734
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1744-7909
pISSN - 1672-9072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2009.00850.x
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , actin , actin cytoskeleton , actin binding protein , cytoskeleton , profilin , actin remodeling , pollen tube , biology , actin remodeling of neurons , formins , mdia1 , chemistry , cell , pollen , biochemistry , botany , pollination
Actin cytoskeleton undergoes rapid reorganization in response to internal and external cues. How the dynamics of actin cytoskeleton are regulated, and how its dynamics relate to its function are fundamental questions in plant cell biology. The pollen tube is a well characterized actin‐based cell morphogenesis in plants. One of the striking features of actin cytoskeleton characterized in the pollen tube is its surprisingly low level of actin polymer. This special phenomenon might relate to the function of actin cytoskeleton in pollen tubes. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying this special phenomenon requires careful analysis of actin‐binding proteins that modulate actin dynamics directly. Recent biochemical and biophysical analyses of several highly conserved plant actin‐binding proteins reveal unusual and unexpected properties, which emphasizes the importance of carefully analyzing their action mechanism and cellular activity. In this review, we highlight an actin monomer sequestering protein, a barbed end capping protein and an F‐actin severing and dynamizing protein in plant. We propose that these proteins function in harmony to regulate actin dynamics and maintain the low level of actin polymer in pollen tubes.