Microtubule functions in plants - Evolutionary aspects and biological implications

Abstract:

During the colonization of land, the plant cytoskeleton acquired novel functions essential for adaptation to terrestrial environments, including roles in cell division, cell wall deposition, and stress responses. Microtubules, central to these processes, are regulated by both conserved eukaryotic microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and plant-specific MAPs. Despite advances in understanding MAP functions, the underlying protein-interaction networks and the integration of signals through MAP regulation are not yet fully understood. Our work has identified a plant-specific class of MAPs, termed IQ67-Domain proteins, which share characteristics with scaffold proteins proposed to act as hubs in macromolecular complex assemblies. These proteins are characterized by short conserved motifs and large regions of intrinsic disorder, making them promising candidates in the evolution of novel microtubule-related functions. Using a combination of genetics, molecular and cell biology, protein biochemistry and evo-devo approaches, we aim to dissect the molecular mechanisms of IQD-mediated cytoskeletal regulation. Collectively, our research provides a framework to identify the molecular principles underlying signaling at the microtubule-membrane nexus and, more generally, during plant growth and development.

Publications:

Yang B, Stamm G, Bürstenbinder K*, Voiniciuc C*. Microtubule-associated IQD9 orchestrates cellulose patterning in seed mucilage. New Phytol. 2022, 235: 1096-1110

Kumari P, Dahiya P, Livanos P, Zergiebel L, Kölling M, Poeschl Y, Stamm G, Herrmann A, Abel S, Müller S, Bürstenbinder K.*. IQ67 DOMAIN proteins facilitate preprophase band formation and cortical division zone setup in plants. Nat Plants. 2021, 7: 739-747.

Bürstenbinder K*, Möller B, Plötner R, Stamm G, Hause G, Mitra, D, Abel S. The IQD family of calmodulin binding proteins links calcium signaling to microtubules, membrane subdomains, and the nucleus. Plant Physiol. 2017, 173:1692-170