Visualization of cellulose synthase demonstrates functional association with microtubules.
Expression of a functional yellow fluorescent protein fusion to cellulose synthase (CESA) in transgenic Arabidopsis plants allowed the process of cellulose deposition to be visualized in living cells. Spinning disk confocal microscopy revealed that CESA complexes in the plasma membrane moved at constant rates in linear tracks that were aligned and were coincident with cortical microtubules. Within each observed linear track, complex movement was bidirectional. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization changed the fine-scale distribution and pattern of moving CESA complexes in the membrane, indicating a relatively direct mechanism for guidance of cellulose deposition by the cytoskeleton.
Paredez
Alexander R
AR
Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Somerville
Christopher R
CR
Ehrhardt
David W
DW
D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001549:Benzamides / Q000494:pharmacology; D001692:Biological Transport; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002482:Cellulose / Q000378:metabolism*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020894:Microfibrils / Q000378:metabolism; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008870:Microtubules / Q000502:physiology*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014404:Tubulin / Q000378:metabolism
D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; D001549:Benzamides; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D014404:Tubulin; C057467:isoxaben; D002482:Cellulose; D005964:Glucosyltransferases; C457769:PRC1 protein, Arabidopsis