Overexpression of the Tomato Enzyme Rewires Pollen Tube Growth to a Blebbing Mode
November 26, 2014| |
The tubular growth of pollen tube cell is vital in the sexual reproduction of flowering plants. LePRK1, a pollen-specific and plasma membrane-localized receptor-like enzyme from tomato, which interacts with another receptor LePRK2 and with KINASE PARTNER PROTEIN (KPP), a Rop guanine nucleotide exchange factor.
A study conducted by Cai-Ping Gui of Chinese Academy of Sciences and colleagues exhibited that pollen tubes overexpressing LePRK1 or a truncated LePRK1 lacking its extracellular domain (LePRK1ΔECD) have enlarged tips but also extend their leading edges by producing blebs or irregular bulges in the plasma membrane.
Coexpression of LePRK1 and tomato PLIM2a, a protein that interacts with KPP, suppressed LePRK1 overexpression. On the other hand, pollen tubes coexpressing KPP, LePRK1, and PLIM2a continued growth and production of blebs. Overexpression of LePRK1 or LePRK1ΔECD rewires pollen tube growth to a blebbing mode, caused by KPP- and PLIM2a-mediated bundling of actin filaments from tip plasma membranes. It was also observed that Arabidopsis pollen tubes expressing LePRK1ΔECD grew by blebbing.
These results revealed a hidden capability of the pollen tube cell that upon overexpression of a single membrane-localized molecule (LePRK1 or LePRK1ΔECD) it can switch into another system for extension of the leading edge that is similar with the blebbing growth mode reported for the stem cells of cellular slime mold (Dictyostelium) and common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster).
Read the research article at http://www.plantcell.org/content/26/9/3538.full.pdf+html.
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Nations to Fight Malnutrition through Concrete Policies and Actions
- More Kenyans Call for Lifting of GMO Ban
- Ugandan Scientists Help Tanzania Legislators with Biotech Concerns
- California Firm Uses Biotech Corn to Develop Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Drought-Tolerant Corn Taps Deeper Soil Profile
- India's State Agri Minister Emphasizes Use of Biotech in Agriculture
- Creating Low Toxin Potato
- Philippine Biotech Week Highlights Biotech Education for Students, Key Stakeholders
- Agroscope Seeks Approval for Testing of Biotech Potatoes in Switzerland
-
Research Highlights
- Overexpression of the Tomato Enzyme Rewires Pollen Tube Growth to a Blebbing Mode
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- Understanding Plant and Bacteria Relationship through Bacterial Genes
- Scientists Find Resistance Gene against Spruce Budworm
- International Team Completes First Orchid Genome Sequence
-
From the BICs
- Indian Scholars Elected as TWAS Fellows
- Farmers and Agri Extension Officers Attend Training on Bt Brinjal Production
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 24, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet