Following the Arp2/3-based processes in plant cells

• Main Author: Fišerová, Jindřiška
• Other Authors: Opatrný, Zdeněk
• Format: Doctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Online Access: http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-373598

1. ABSTRACT An actin cytoskeleton comprises an essential cytoskeletal structure that organizes a cytoplasm during number of processes occurring in animal and plant cells, such as cell division and growth, formation of membrane protrusions and cellular movement or cytoplasmic streaming. A dynamic actin net and an exact spatial and temporal actin filament organization is, therefore, necessary for correct growth processes and development of multicellular organism. Depolymerization and re-establishment of actin arrays is mediated by actin associated proteins. Among them, an Arp2/3 complex (actin related protein 2 and 3) plays an important role as a catalyst of the actin filament nucleation and, thus, enables the formation of dynamic actin network. In non-plant cells, Arp2/3 complex-dependent polymerization of actin filaments is required for movement of whole cells (fibroblasts or keratocytes), it drives organels and pathogens throughout the cell or mediates endocytic processes. The role of the Arp2/3 complex in non-motile plant cells is despite the considerable effort over last three years far from being understood. Unlike animals, where loss-of-function mutations in the Arp2/3 complex are lethal, only limited number of cell types show significant phenotype in Arabidopsis mutants. The evidence exists that the...