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Intact microtubules are required for the intercellular movement of the SHORT ‐ ROOT transcription factor
Author(s) -
Wu Shuang,
Gallagher Kimberly L.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the plant journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.058
H-Index - 269
eISSN - 1365-313X
pISSN - 0960-7412
DOI - 10.1111/tpj.12112
Subject(s) - plasmodesma , microtubule , microbiology and biotechnology , transcription factor , biology , cell , intracellular , plant cell , kinesin , chemistry , genetics , gene , cytoplasm
Summary In both plants and animals, cell‐to‐cell signaling controls key aspects of development. In plants, cells communicate through direct transfer of transcription factors between cells. It is thought that most, if not all, mobile transcription factors move via plasmodesmata, membrane‐lined channels that connect nearly all cells in the plant. However, the mechanisms by which these proteins access the plasmodesmata are not known. Using four independent assays, we examined the movement of the SHORT ‐ ROOT ( SHR ) transcription factor under conditions that affect microtubule stability, organization or dynamics. We found that intact microtubules are required for cell‐to‐cell trafficking of SHR . Either chemical or genetic disruption of microtubules results in a significant reduction in SHR transport. Interestingly, inhibition of microtubules also results in mis‐localization of the SHR ‐ INTERACTING EMBRYONIC LETHAL ( SIEL ) protein, which has been shown to bind directly to SHR and is required for SHR movement. These results show that microtubules facilitate cell‐to‐cell transport of an endogenous plant protein.