Actin-bundling protein isolated from pollen tubes of lily. Biochemical and immunocytochemical characterization

Control of the Actin Cytoskeleton Within Apical and Subapical Regions of Pollen Tubes

In flowering plants, sexual reproduction involves a double fertilization event, which is facilitated by the delivery of two non-motile sperm cells to the ovule by the pollen tube. Pollen tube growth occurs exclusively at the tip and is extremely rapid. It strictly depends on an intact actin cytoskeleton, and is therefore an excellent model for uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying dynamic actin cytoskeleton remodeling. There has been a long-term debate about the organization and dynamics of actin filaments within the apical and subapical regions of pollen tube tips. By combining state-of-the-art live-cell imaging with the usage of mutants which lack different actin-binding proteins, our understanding of the origin, spatial organization, dynamics and regulation of actin filaments within the pollen tube tip has greatly improved. In this review article, we will summarize the progress made in this area.

Review: F-Actin remodelling during plant signal transduction via biomolecular assembly

During signal transduction, multivalent interactions establish dynamic molecular connectivities that propagate molecular cascades throughout the entire signaling pathway. Such multivalent interactions include the initial activation, cascade signal transduction, and the amplification and assembly of structural machinery. For example, plants rapidly remodel the actin cytoskeleton during signal transduction by perceiving a wide range of mechanical and chemical cues from developmental and defense pathways. Actin treadmilling is stepwise-regulated by interactions between actin and actin-binding proteins (ABPs). Emerging evidence shows that intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) enable flexible and promiscuous interactions that serve as the functional hub for generating cellular interactomes underlying various signaling events. Though IDRs are present in a majority of ABPs, few of the functional roles of IDR in the interaction and functions of ABPs have been defined. The distinct features of IDRs create diverse and dynamic molecular interactions that introduce a new paradigm to our understanding of the structure-function relationships for actin assembly. In this review, we will create a snapshot of recent advances in IDR-mediated plant actin remodeling and discuss future research directions in studying the complexity of actin assembly via multifaceted biomolecular assembly during signal transduction.

Actin Bundles in The Pollen Tube

The angiosperm pollen tube delivers two sperm cells into the embryo sac through a unique growth strategy, named tip growth, to accomplish fertilization. A great deal of experiments have demonstrated that actin bundles play a pivotal role in pollen tube tip growth. There are two distinct actin bundle populations in pollen tubes: the long, rather thick actin bundles in the shank and the short, highly dynamic bundles near the apex. With the development of imaging techniques over the last decade, great breakthroughs have been made in understanding the function of actin bundles in pollen tubes, especially short subapical actin bundles. Here, we tried to draw an overall picture of the architecture, functions and underlying regulation mechanism of actin bundles in plant pollen tubes.

A key function for microtubule-associated-protein 6 in activity-dependent stabilisation of actin filaments in dendritic spines

Emerging evidence indicates that microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are implicated in synaptic function; in particular, mice deficient for MAP6 exhibit striking deficits in plasticity and cognition. How MAP6 connects to plasticity mechanisms is unclear. Here, we address the possible role of this protein in dendritic spines. We find that in MAP6-deficient cortical and hippocampal neurons, maintenance of mature spines is impaired, and can be restored by expressing a stretch of the MAP6 sequence called Mc modules. Mc modules directly bind actin filaments and mediate activity-dependent stabilisation of F-actin in dendritic spines, a key event of synaptic plasticity. In vitro, Mc modules enhance actin filament nucleation and promote the formation of stable, highly ordered filament bundles. Activity-induced phosphorylation of MAP6 likely controls its transfer to the spine cytoskeleton. These results provide a molecular explanation for the role of MAP6 in cognition, enlightening the connection between cytoskeletal dysfunction, synaptic impairment and neuropsychiatric illnesses.

Microtubule-associated protein 6 (MAP6) is known to be important for synaptic plasticity and cognition, supposedly via interaction with microtubules. Here, the authors found that MAP6 is crucial for the stabilisation of enlarged synapses through its association with a different cytoskeletal element, actin.

Fimbrin phosphorylation by metaphase Cdk1 regulates actin cable dynamics in budding yeast

Actin cables, composed of actin filament bundles nucleated by formins, mediate intracellular transport for cell polarity establishment and maintenance. We previously observed that metaphase cells preferentially promote actin cable assembly through cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) activity. However, the relevant metaphase Cdk1 targets were not known. Here we show that the highly conserved actin filament crosslinking protein fimbrin is a critical Cdk1 target for actin cable assembly regulation in budding yeast. Fimbrin is specifically phosphorylated on threonine 103 by the metaphase cyclin–Cdk1 complex, in vivo and in vitro. On the basis of conformational simulations, we suggest that this phosphorylation stabilizes fimbrin's N-terminal domain, and modulates actin filament binding to regulate actin cable assembly and stability in cells. Overall, this work identifies fimbrin as a key target for cell cycle regulation of actin cable assembly in budding yeast, and suggests an underlying mechanism.

Metaphase cells preferentially promote actin cable assembly through cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) activity. Here the authors identify fimbrin as one of the main metaphase Cdk1 targets for cell cycle regulation of actin cable assembly in budding yeast.

Organization and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in the pollen tube

Proper organization of the actin cytoskeleton is crucial for pollen tube growth. However, the precise mechanisms by which the actin cytoskeleton regulates pollen tube growth remain to be further elucidated. The functions of the actin cytoskeleton are dictated by its spatial organization and dynamics. However, early observations of the distribution of actin filaments at the pollen tube apex were quite perplexing, resulting in decades of controversial debate. Fortunately, due to improvements in fixation regimens for staining actin filaments in fixed pollen tubes, as well as the adoption of appropriate markers for visualizing actin filaments in living pollen tubes, this issue has been resolved and has given rise to the consensus view of the spatial distribution of actin filaments throughout the entire pollen tube. Importantly, recent descriptions of the dynamics of individual actin filaments in the apical region have expanded our understanding of the function of actin in regulation of pollen tube growth. Furthermore, careful documentation of the function and mode of action of several actin-binding proteins expressed in pollen have provided novel insights into the regulation of actin spatial distribution and dynamics. In the current review, we summarize our understanding of the organization, dynamics, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in the pollen tube.

De novo sequencing and analysis of the lily pollen transcriptome: an open access data source for an orphan plant species

Pollen grains of Lilium longiflorum are a long-established model system for pollen germination and tube tip growth. Due to their size, protein content and almost synchronous germination in synthetic media, they provide a simple system for physiological measurements as well as sufficient material for biochemical studies like protein purifications, enzyme assays, organelle isolation or determination of metabolites during germination and pollen tube elongation. Despite recent progresses in molecular biology techniques, sequence information of expressed proteins or transcripts in lily pollen is still scarce. Using a next generation sequencing strategy (RNAseq), the lily pollen transcriptome was investigated resulting in more than 50 million high quality reads with a length of 90 base pairs. Sequenced transcripts were assembled and annotated, and finally visualized with MAPMAN software tools and compared with other RNAseq or genome data including Arabidopsis pollen, Lilium vegetative tissues and the Amborella trichopoda genome. All lily pollen sequence data are provided as open access files with suitable tools to search sequences of interest.

Plant villins: versatile actin regulatory proteins

Regulation of actin dynamics is a central theme in cell biology that is important for different aspects of cell physiology. Villin, a member of the villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily of proteins, is an important regulator of actin. Villins contain six gelsolin homology domains (G1-G6) and an extra headpiece domain. In contrast to their mammalian counterparts, plant villins are expressed widely, implying that plant villins play a more general role in regulating actin dynamics. Some plant villins have a defined role in modifying actin dynamics in the pollen tube; most of their in vivo activities remain to be ascertained. Recently, our understanding of the functions and mechanisms of action for plant villins has progressed rapidly, primarily due to the advent of Arabidopsis thaliana genetic approaches and imaging capabilities that can visualize actin dynamics at the single filament level in vitro and in living plant cells. In this review, we focus on discussing the biochemical activities and modes of regulation of plant villins. Here, we present current understanding of the functions of plant villins. Finally, we highlight some of the key unanswered questions regarding the functions and regulation of plant villins for future research.

Live cell imaging reveals actin-cytoskeleton-induced self-association of the actin-bundling protein WLIM1

Crosslinking of actin filaments into bundles is essential for the assembly and stabilization of specific cytoskeletal structures. However, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying actin bundle formation. The two LIM-domain-containing proteins define a novel and evolutionarily conserved family of actin-bundling proteins whose actin-binding and -crosslinking activities primarily rely on their LIM domains. Using TIRF microscopy, we describe real-time formation of actin bundles induced by tobacco NtWLIM1 in vitro. We show that NtWLIM1 binds to single filaments and subsequently promotes their interaction and zippering into tight bundles of mixed polarity. NtWLIM1-induced bundles grew by both elongation of internal filaments and addition of preformed fragments at their extremities. Importantly, these data are highly consistent with the modes of bundle formation and growth observed in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing a GFP-fused Arabidopsis AtWLIM1 protein. Using two complementary live cell imaging approaches, a close relationship between NtWLIM1 subcellular localization and self-association was established. Indeed, both BiFC and FLIM-FRET data revealed that, although unstable NtWLIM1 complexes can sporadically form in the cytosol, stable complexes concentrate along the actin cytoskeleton. Remarkably, disruption of the actin cytoskeleton significantly impaired self-association of NtWLIM1. In addition, biochemical analyses support the idea that F-actin facilitates the switch of purified recombinant NtWLIM1 from a monomeric to a di- or oligomeric state. On the basis of our data, we propose a model in which actin binding promotes the formation and stabilization of NtWLIM1 complexes, which in turn might drive the crosslinking of actin filaments.

Interaction between Calcium and Actin in Guard Cell and Pollen Signaling Networks

Calcium (Ca(2+)) plays important roles in plant growth, development, and signal transduction. It is a vital nutrient for plant physical design, such as cell wall and membrane, and also serves as a counter-cation for biochemical, inorganic, and organic anions, and more particularly, its concentration change in cytosol is a ubiquitous second messenger in plant physiological signaling in responses to developmental and environmental stimuli. Actin cytoskeleton is well known for its importance in cellular architecture maintenance and its significance in cytoplasmic streaming and cell division. In plant cell system, the actin dynamics is a process of polymerization and de-polymerization of globular actin and filamentous actin and that acts as an active regulator for calcium signaling by controlling calcium evoked physiological responses. The elucidation of the interaction between calcium and actin dynamics will be helpful for further investigation of plant cell signaling networks at molecular level. This review mainly focuses on the recent advances in understanding the interaction between the two aforementioned signaling components in two well-established model systems of plant, guard cell, and pollen.

LlSR28 is involved in pollen germination by affecting filamentous actin dynamics

Alternative splicing plays important roles in gene regulation and contributes to protein complexity. Previous studies suggest that alternative splicing exists in members of the villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily. In this study, a serine/argine-rich (SR) protein cDNA with 28 kDa protein (LlSR28) was isolated from a lily (Lilium longiflorum) expression library. Protein domain analysis showed that LlSR28 had similar structures to Arabidopsis SR45 (AtSR45), and LlSR28 could complement the phenotype of loss of AtSR45 function. Therefore, overexpression of LlSR28 and AtSR45 mutant (atsr45-1) were used in the following experiments. Overexpression of LlSR28 in Arabidopsis completely inhibited pollen germination. In contrast, the pollen germination of atsr45-1 was earlier than that of wild-type. In addition, pollen of atsr45-1 contained less F-actin at the corresponding hydration stage during pollen germination compared to that of wild-type. Alternative splicing analysis showed that Arabidopsis villin1 (AtVLN1) transcript encoding the full-length protein was increased, and that encoding the truncated protein was decreased in atst45-1. Moreover, the mRNA expression level of other actin-binding proteins (ABPs) abundant in Arabidopsis pollen was also changed in atsr45-1. In conclusion, we hypothesize that LlSR28 alters F-actin dynamics probably through its alternative splicing activities to affect directly or indirectly the alternative splicing of AtVLN1 and the expression of different ABPs, which then affects the pollen germination.

Arabidopsis villins promote actin turnover at pollen tube tips and facilitate the construction of actin collars

Apical actin filaments are crucial for pollen tube tip growth. However, the specific dynamic changes and regulatory mechanisms associated with actin filaments in the apical region remain largely unknown. Here, we have investigated the quantitative dynamic parameters that underlie actin filament growth and disappearance in the apical regions of pollen tubes and identified villin as the major player that drives rapid turnover of actin filaments in this region. Downregulation of Arabidopsis thaliana VILLIN2 (VLN2) and VLN5 led to accumulation of actin filaments at the pollen tube apex. Careful analysis of single filament dynamics showed that the severing frequency significantly decreased, and the lifetime significantly increased in vln2 vln5 pollen tubes. These results indicate that villin-mediated severing is critical for turnover and departure of actin filaments originating in the apical region. Consequently, the construction of actin collars was affected in vln2 vln5 pollen tubes. In addition to the decrease in severing frequency, actin filaments also became wavy and buckled in the apical cytoplasm of vln2 vln5 pollen tubes. These results suggest that villin confers rigidity upon actin filaments. Furthermore, an observed decrease in skewness of actin filaments in the subapical region of vln2 vln5 pollen tubes suggests that villin-mediated bundling activity may also play a role in the construction of actin collars. Thus, our data suggest that villins promote actin turnover at pollen tube tips and facilitate the construction of actin collars.

MAP18 regulates the direction of pollen tube growth in Arabidopsis by modulating F-actin organization

For fertilization to occur in plants, the pollen tube must be guided to enter the ovule via the micropyle. Previous reports have implicated actin filaments, actin binding proteins, and the tip-focused calcium gradient as key contributors to polar growth of pollen tubes; however, the regulation of directional pollen tube growth is largely unknown. We reported previously that Arabidopsis thaliana MICROTUBULE-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN18 (MAP18) contributes to directional cell growth and cortical microtubule organization. The preferential expression of MAP18 in pollen and in pollen tubes suggests that MAP18 also may function in pollen tube growth. In this study, we demonstrate that MAP18 functions in pollen tubes by influencing actin organization, rather than microtubule assembly. In vitro biochemical results indicate that MAP18 exhibits Ca(2+)-dependent filamentous (F)-actin-severing activity. Abnormal expression of MAP18 in map18 and MAP18 OX plants was associated with disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in the tube apex, resulting in aberrant pollen tube growth patterns and morphologies, inaccurate micropyle targeting, and fewer fertilization events. Experiments with MAP18 mutants created by site-directed mutagenesis suggest that F-actin-severing activity is essential to the effects of MAP18 on pollen tube growth direction. Our study demonstrates that in Arabidopsis, MAP18 guides the direction of pollen tube growth by modulating actin filaments.

FIMBRIN1 is involved in lily pollen tube growth by stabilizing the actin fringe

An actin fringe structure in the subapex plays an important role in pollen tube tip growth. However, the precise mechanism by which the actin fringe is generated and maintained remains largely unknown. Here, we cloned a 2606-bp full-length cDNA encoding a deduced 77-kD fimbrin-like protein from lily (Lilium longiflorum), named FIMBRIN1 (FIM1). Ll-FIM1 was preferentially expressed in pollen and concentrated at actin fringe in the subapical region, as well as in longitudinal actin-filament bundles in the shank of pollen tubes. Microinjection of Ll-FIM1 antibody into lily pollen tubes inhibited tip growth and disrupted the actin fringe. Furthermore, we verified the function of Ll-FIM1 in the fim5 mutant of its closest relative, Arabidopsis thaliana. Pollen tubes of fim5 mutants grew with a larger diameter in early stages but could recover into normal forms in later stages, despite significantly slower growth rates. The actin fringe of the fim5 mutants, however, was impaired during both early and late stages. Impressively, stable expression of fim5pro:GFP:Ll-FIM1 rescued the actin fringe and the growth rate of Arabidopsis fim5 pollen tubes. In vitro biochemical analysis showed that Ll-FIM1 could bundle actin filaments. Thus, our study has identified a fimbrin that may stabilize the actin fringe by cross-linking actin filaments into bundles, which is important for proper tip growth of lily pollen tubes.

Arabidopsis VILLIN2 and VILLIN3 act redundantly in sclerenchyma development via bundling of actin filaments

The organization of the actin cytoskeleton has been implicated in sclerenchyma development. However, the molecular mechanisms linking the actin cytoskeleton to this process remain poorly understood. In particular, there have been no studies showing that direct genetic manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton affects sclerenchyma development. Villins belong to the villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily and are versatile actin-modifying proteins. Several recent studies have implicated villins in tip growth of single cells, but how villins act in multicellular plant development remains largely unknown. Here, we found that two closely related villin isovariants from Arabidopsis, VLN2 and VLN3, act redundantly in sclerenchyma development. Detailed analysis of cross-sections from inflorescence stems of vln2 vln3 double mutant plants revealed a reduction in stem size and in the number of vascular bundles; however, no defects in synthesis of the secondary cell wall were detected. Surprisingly, the vln2 vln3 double mutation did not affect cell elongation of inter-fascicular fibers. Biochemical analyses showed that recombinant VLN2 was able to cap, sever and bundle actin filaments, similar to VLN3. Consistent with these biochemical activities, loss of function of VLN2 and VLN3 resulted in a decrease in the amount of F-actin and actin bundles in plant cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that VLN2 and VLN3 act redundantly in sclerenchyma development via bundling of actin filaments.

Bundling actin filaments from membranes: some novel players

Progress in live-cell imaging of the cytoskeleton has significantly extended our knowledge about the organization and dynamics of actin filaments near the plasma membrane of plant cells. Noticeably, two populations of filamentous structures can be distinguished. On the one hand, fine actin filaments which exhibit an extremely dynamic behavior basically characterized by fast polymerization and prolific severing events, a process referred to as actin stochastic dynamics. On the other hand, thick actin bundles which are composed of several filaments and which are comparatively more stable although they constantly remodel as well. There is evidence that the actin cytoskeleton plays critical roles in trafficking and signaling at both the cell cortex and organelle periphery but the exact contribution of actin bundles remains unclear. A common view is that actin bundles provide the long-distance tracks used by myosin motors to deliver their cargo to growing regions and accordingly play a particularly important role in cell polarization. However, several studies support that actin bundles are more than simple passive highways and display multiple and dynamic roles in the regulation of many processes, such as cell elongation, polar auxin transport, stomatal and chloroplast movement, and defense against pathogens. The list of identified plant actin-bundling proteins is ever expanding, supporting that plant cells shape structurally and functionally different actin bundles. Here I review the most recently characterized actin-bundling proteins, with a particular focus on those potentially relevant to membrane trafficking and/or signaling.

Characterization of the role of calcium in regulating the microtubule-destabilizing activity of MDP25

Regulation of cell elongation is important for plant morphogenesis. Many studies have shown that cortical microtubules play crucial roles during cell elongation and that microtubule stability, organization, and dynamics are regulated by microtubule regulatory proteins. Recently, we reported that a novel protein from Arabidopsis, termed microtubule-destabilizing protein 25 (MDP25), functions as a negative regulator of hypocotyl cell elongation. MDP25 destabilizes microtubules and exerts its effect on microtubules as a result of transient elevation of cytosolic calcium levels.

Plant actin-binding protein SCAB1 is dimeric actin cross-linker with atypical pleckstrin homology domain

SCAB1 is a novel plant-specific actin-binding protein that binds, bundles, and stabilizes actin filaments and regulates stomatal movement. Here, we dissected the structure and function of SCAB1 by structural and biochemical approaches. We show that SCAB1 is composed of an actin-binding domain, two coiled-coil (CC) domains, and a fused immunoglobulin and pleckstrin homology (Ig-PH) domain. We determined crystal structures for the CC1 and Ig-PH domains at 1.9 and 1.7 Å resolution, respectively. The CC1 domain adopts an antiparallel helical hairpin that further dimerizes into a four-helix bundle. The CC2 domain also mediates dimerization. At least one of the coiled coils is required for actin binding, indicating that SCAB1 is a bivalent actin cross-linker. The key residues required for actin binding were identified. The PH domain lacks a canonical basic phosphoinositide-binding pocket but can bind weakly to inositol phosphates via a basic surface patch, implying the involvement of inositol signaling in SCAB1 regulation. Our results provide novel insights into the functional organization of SCAB1.

Proteins implicated in mediating self-incompatibility-induced alterations to the actin cytoskeleton of Papaver pollen

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sexual reproduction in angiosperms involves a network of signalling and interactions between pollen and pistil. To promote out-breeding, an additional layer of interactions, involving self-incompatibility (SI), is used to prevent self-fertilization. SI is generally controlled by the S-locus, and comprises allelic pollen and pistil S-determinants. This provides the basis of recognition, and consequent rejection, of incompatible pollen. In Papaver rhoeas, SI involves interaction of pistil PrsS and pollen PrpS, triggering a Ca(2+)-dependent signalling network. This results in rapid and distinctive alterations to both the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton being triggered in 'self' pollen. Some of these alterations are implicated in mediating programmed cell death, involving activation of several caspase-like proteases.

SCOPE

Here we review and discuss our current understanding of the cytoskeletal alterations induced in incompatible pollen during SI and their relationship with programmed cell death. We focus on data relating to the formation of F-actin punctate foci, which have, to date, not been well characterized. The identification of two actin-binding proteins that interact with these structures are reviewed. Using an approach that enriched for F-actin from SI-induced pollen tubes using affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry, further proteins were identified as putative interactors with the F-actin foci in an SI situation.

KEY RESULTS

Previously two important actin-binding proteins, CAP and ADF, had been identified whose localization altered with SI, both showing co-localization with the F-actin punctate foci based on immunolocalization studies. Further analysis has identified differences between proteins associated with F-actin from SI-induced pollen samples and those associated with F-actin in untreated pollen. This provides candidate proteins implicated in either the formation or stabilization of the punctate actin structures formed during SI.

CONCLUSIONS

This review brings together for the first time, our current understanding of proteins and events involved in SI-induced signalling to the actin cytoskeleton in incompatible Papaver pollen.

Arabidopsis VILLIN4 is involved in root hair growth through regulating actin organization in a Ca2+-dependent manner

• Villin is one of the major actin filament bundling proteins in plants. The function of Arabidopsis VILLINs (AtVLNs) is still poorly understood in living cells. In this report, the biochemical activity and cellular function of AtVLN4 were examined. • The biochemical property of AtVLN4 was characterized by co-sedimentation assays, fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy of pyrene fluorescence. The in vivo function of AtVLN4 was analysed by ectopically expressing it in tobacco pollen and examining the phenotypes of its T-DNA insertional plants. • Recombinant AtVLN4 protein exhibited multiple activities on actin, including actin filament bundling, calcium (Ca(2+))-dependent filament severing and barbed end capping. Expression of AtVLN4 in tobacco pollen induced the formation of supernumerary actin cables and reduced pollen tube growth. Loss of function of AtVLN4 resulted in slowing of root hair growth, alteration in cytoplasmic streaming routes and rate, and reduction of both axial and apical actin bundles. • Our results demonstrated that AtVLN4 is involved in root hair growth through regulating actin organization in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner.

Arabidopsis VILLIN5, an actin filament bundling and severing protein, is necessary for normal pollen tube growth

A dynamic actin cytoskeleton is essential for pollen germination and tube growth. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the organization and turnover of the actin cytoskeleton in pollen remain poorly understood. Villin plays a key role in the formation of higher-order structures from actin filaments and in the regulation of actin dynamics in eukaryotic cells. It belongs to the villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily of actin binding proteins and is composed of six gelsolin-homology domains at its core and a villin headpiece domain at its C terminus. Recently, several villin family members from plants have been shown to sever, cap, and bundle actin filaments in vitro. Here, we characterized a villin isovariant, Arabidopsis thaliana VILLIN5 (VLN5), that is highly and preferentially expressed in pollen. VLN5 loss-of-function retarded pollen tube growth and sensitized actin filaments in pollen grains and tubes to latrunculin B. In vitro biochemical analyses revealed that VLN5 is a typical member of the villin family and retains a full suite of activities, including barbed-end capping, filament bundling, and calcium-dependent severing. The severing activity was confirmed with time-lapse evanescent wave microscopy of individual actin filaments in vitro. We propose that VLN5 is a major regulator of actin filament stability and turnover that functions in concert with oscillatory calcium gradients in pollen and therefore plays an integral role in pollen germination and tube growth.

Arabidopsis VILLIN1 and VILLIN3 have overlapping and distinct activities in actin bundle formation and turnover

Actin filament bundles are higher-order cytoskeletal structures that are crucial for the maintenance of cellular architecture and cell expansion. They are generated from individual actin filaments by the actions of bundling proteins like fimbrins, LIMs, and villins. However, the molecular mechanisms of dynamic bundle formation and turnover are largely unknown. Villins belong to the villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily and comprise at least five isovariants in Arabidopsis thaliana. Different combinations of villin isovariants are coexpressed in various tissues and cells. It is not clear whether these isovariants function together and act redundantly or whether they have unique activities. VILLIN1 (VLN1) is a simple filament-bundling protein and is Ca(2+) insensitive. Based on phylogenetic analyses and conservation of Ca(2+) binding sites, we predict that VLN3 is a Ca(2+)-regulated villin capable of severing actin filaments and contributing to bundle turnover. The bundling activity of both isovariants was observed directly with time-lapse imaging and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy in vitro, and the mechanism mimics the "catch and zipper" action observed in vivo. Using time-lapse TIRF microscopy, we observed and quantified the severing of individual actin filaments by VLN3 at physiological calcium concentrations. Moreover, VLN3 can sever actin filament bundles in the presence of VLN1 when calcium is elevated to micromolar levels. Collectively, these results demonstrate that two villin isovariants have overlapping and distinct activities.

Probing cytoplasmic organization and the actin cytoskeleton of plant cells with optical tweezers

In interphase plant cells, the actin cytoskeleton is essential for intracellular transport and organization. To fully understand how the actin cytoskeleton functions as the structural basis for cytoplasmic organization, both molecular and physical aspects of the actin organization have to be considered. In the present review, we discuss literature that gives an insight into how cytoplasmic organization is achieved and in which actin-binding proteins have been identified that play a role in this process. We discuss how physical properties of the actin cytoskeleton in the cytoplasm of live plant cells, such as deformability and elasticity, can be probed by using optical tweezers. This technique allows non-invasive manipulation of cytoplasmic organization. Optical tweezers, integrated in a confocal microscope, can be used to manipulate cytoplasmic organization while studying actin dynamics. By combining this with mutant studies and drug applications, insight can be obtained about how the physical properties of the actin cytoskeleton, and thus the cytoplasmic organization, are influenced by different cellular processes.

Regulation of actin dynamics by actin-binding proteins in pollen

A dynamic network of polymers, the actin cytoskeleton, co-ordinates numerous fundamental cellular processes. In pollen tubes, organelle movements and cytoplasmic streaming, organization of the tip zone, vesicle trafficking, and tip growth have all been linked to actin-based function. Further, during the self-incompatibility response of Papaver rhoeas, destruction of the cytoskeleton is a primary target implicated in the rapid cessation of pollen tube growth and alterations in actin dynamics are associated with the initiation of programmed cell death. Surprisingly, these diverse cellular processes are accomplished with only a small amount of filamentous actin and a huge pool of polymerizable monomers. These observations hint at incredibly fast and complex actin dynamics in pollen. To understand the molecular mechanisms regulating actin dynamics in plant cells, the abundant actin monomer-binding proteins, a major filament nucleator, a family of bundling and severing proteins, and a modulator of growth at the barbed-end of actin filaments have been characterized biochemically. The activities of these proteins are generally consistent with textbook models for actin turnover. For example, the three monomer-binding proteins, profilin, ADF, and CAP, are thought to function synergistically to enhance turnover and the exchange of subunits between monomer and polymer pools. How individual actin filaments behave in living cells, however, remains largely unexplored. Actin dynamics were examined using variable angle epifluorescence microscopy (VAEM) in expanding hypocotyl epidermal cells. Our observations of single filament behaviour are not consistent with filament turnover by treadmilling, but rather represent a novel property called stochastic dynamics. A new model for the dynamic control of actin filament turnover in plant cells is presented.

ABP41 is involved in the pollen tube development via fragmenting actin filaments

ABP41 is identified as a novel member of plant villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily proteins from lily pollen, which binds stoichiometrically to actin filaments and severs them in vitro. To further understand its in-vivo function and the potential molecular mechanisms, biochemical analysis, fluorescence microscopic observation and microinjection assays were performed. Different biochemical measurements showed that ABP41 maintained actin filaments in forms of short F-actin in vitro. Microinjection of ABP41 into pollen tubes could fragment the pre-existing actin filaments, inhibit the velocity of cytoplasmic streaming, and shorten the length of the clear zone of pollen tube. In addition, it was found that the endogenous ABP41 expressing level was dynamically corresponding to the short actin filament structure in pollen at different stages of pollen germination. Our results suggest that ABP41 is involved in the regulation of actin dynamics during the pollen germination process via maintenance of short dynamic actin filaments.

Actin filament organization and polarity in pollen tubes revealed by myosin II subfragment 1 decoration

The actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in pollen tube growth. In elongating pollen tubes the organization and arrangement of actin filaments (AFs) differs between the shank and apical region. However, the orientation of AFs in pollen tubes has not yet been successfully demonstrated. In the present work we have used myosin II subfragment 1 (S1) decoration to determine the polarity of AFs in pollen tubes. Electron microscopy studies revealed that in the shank of the tube bundles of AFs exhibit uniform polarity with those close to the cell cortex having their barbed ends oriented towards the tip of the pollen tube while those in the cell center have their barbed ends oriented toward the base of the tube. At the subapex, some AFs are organized in closely packed and longitudinally oriented bundles and some form curved bundles adjacent to the cell membrane. In contrast, few AFs are dispersed with random orientation in the extreme apex of the pollen tube. Our results confirm that the direction of cytoplasmic streaming within pollen tubes is determined by the polarity of AFs in the bundles.

An actin-binding protein, LlLIM1, mediates calcium and hydrogen regulation of actin dynamics in pollen tubes

Actin microfilaments are crucial for polar cell tip growth, and their configurations and dynamics are regulated by the actions of various actin-binding proteins (ABPs). We explored the function of a lily (Lilium longiflorum) pollen-enriched LIM domain-containing protein, LlLIM1, in regulating the actin dynamics in elongating pollen tube. Cytological and biochemical assays verified LlLIM1 functioning as an ABP, promoting filamentous actin (F-actin) bundle assembly and protecting F-actin against latrunculin B-mediated depolymerization. Overexpressed LlLIM1 significantly disturbed pollen tube growth and morphology, with multiple tubes protruding from one pollen grain and coaggregation of FM4-64-labeled vesicles and Golgi apparatuses at the subapex of the tube tip. Moderate expression of LlLIM1 induced an oscillatory formation of asterisk-shaped F-actin aggregates that oscillated with growth period but in different phases at the subapical region. These results suggest that the formation of LlLIM1-mediated overstabilized F-actin bundles interfered with endomembrane trafficking to result in growth retardation. Cosedimentation assays revealed that the binding affinity of LlLIM1 to F-actin was simultaneously regulated by both pH and Ca(2+): LlLIM1 showed a preference for F-actin binding under low pH and low Ca(2+) concentration. The potential functions of LlLIM1 as an ABP sensitive to pH and calcium in integrating endomembrane trafficking, oscillatory pH, and calcium circumstances to regulate tip-focused pollen tube growth are discussed.

Actin microfilament dynamics and actin side-binding proteins in plants

Actin microfilaments are highly organized and essential intracellular components of organelle movement and cell morphogenesis in plants. The organization of these microfilaments undergoes dynamic changes during cell division, elongation, and differentiation. Recent live-cell imaging of plant actin microfilaments has revealed their native organization and remarkable dynamics. In addition, characterization of plant actin side-binding proteins has progressed rapidly by genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches. The gathering and integration of microscopy-based information from actin microfilament dynamics and the molecular identification of actin side-binding proteins have provided considerable insights into actin microfilament-dependent events and actin microfilament organization in plants.

ACTIN BINDING PROTEIN 29 from Lilium pollen plays an important role in dynamic actin remodeling

Villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily proteins have been shown to function in tip-growing plant cells. However, genes encoding gelsolin/fragmin do not exist in the Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa) databases, and it is possible that these proteins are encoded by villin mRNA splicing variants. We cloned a 1006-bp full-length cDNA from Lilium longiflorum that encodes a 263-amino acid predicted protein sharing 100% identity with the N terminus of 135-ABP (Lilium villin) except for six C-terminal amino acids. The deduced 29-kD protein, Lilium ACTIN BINDING PROTEIN29 (ABP29), contains only the G1 and G2 domains and is the smallest identified member of the villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily. The purified recombinant ABP29 accelerates actin nucleation, blocks barbed ends, and severs actin filaments in a Ca(2+)- and/or phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-regulated manner in vitro. Microinjection of the protein into stamen hair cells disrupted transvacuolar strands whose backbone is mainly actin filament bundles. Transient expression of ABP29 by microprojectile bombardment of lily pollen resulted in actin filament fragmentation and inhibited pollen germination and tube growth. Our results suggest that ABP29 is a splicing variant of Lilium villin and a member of the villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily, which plays important roles in rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton during pollen germination and tube growth.

Actin based processes that could determine the cytoplasmic architecture of plant cells

Actin polymerisation can generate forces that are necessary for cell movement, such as the propulsion of a class of bacteria, including Listeria, and the protrusion of migrating animal cells. Force generation by the actin cytoskeleton in plant cells has not been studied. One process in plant cells that is likely to depend on actin-based force generation is the organisation of the cytoplasm. We compare the function of actin binding proteins of three well-studied mammalian models that depend on actin-based force generation with the function of their homologues in plants. We predict the possible role of these proteins, and thus the role of actin-based force generation, in the production of cytoplasmic organisation in plant cells.

Transient β-glucuronidase expression in lily (Lilium longflorum L.) pollen via wounding-assisted Agrobacterium-mediated transformation

A pollen-based transient expression system has been developed. Lily pollen grains, wounded by vigorous shaking in the presence of aluminum oxide particles, were transformed by infiltration with Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 cells harboring the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene construct, pBI121. In histochemical and fluorometric GUS analysis, the wounding processes allowed efficient transformation and, in cDNA blot hybridization, GUS mRNA synthesis was clearly detected. Lily pollen with appropriate wounds, therefore, can be used conveniently for the rapid production of recombinant proteins.

The function of actin-binding proteins in pollen tube growth

Pollen tube growth is a key step in sexual reproduction of higher plants. The pollen tube is a typical example of tip-growing cells and shows a polarized cytoplasm. To develop and maintain polarized growth, pollen tubes need a carefully regulated actin cytoskeleton. It is well known that actin-binding proteins are responsible for the direct control of dynamic actin filaments and serve as a link between signal transduction pathways and dynamic actin changes in determining cellular architecture. Several of these classes have been identified in pollen tubes and their detailed characterisation is progressing rapidly. Here, we aim to survey what is known about the major actin-binding proteins that affect actin assembly and dynamics, and their higher-order organisation in pollen tube growth.

The sliding theory of cytoplasmic streaming: fifty years of progress

Fifty years ago, an important paper appeared in Botanical Magazine Tokyo. Kamiya and Kuroda proposed a sliding theory for the mechanism of cytoplasmic streaming. This pioneering study laid the basis for elucidation of the molecular mechanism of cytoplasmic streaming--the motive force is generated by the sliding of myosin XI associated with organelles along actin filaments, using the hydrolysis energy of ATP. The role of the actin-myosin system in various plant cell functions is becoming evident. The present article reviews progress in studies on cytoplasmic streaming over the past 50 years.

Signalling pathways in pollen germination and tube growth

Signalling is an integral component in the establishment and maintenance of cellular identity. In plants, tip-growing cells represent an ideal system to investigate signal transduction mechanisms, and among these, pollen tubes (PTs) are one of the favourite models. Many signalling pathways have been identified during germination and tip growth, namely, Ca(2+), calmodulin, phosphoinositides, protein kinases, cyclic AMP, and GTPases. These constitute a large and complex web of signalling networks that intersect at various levels such as the control of vesicle targeting and fusion and the physical state of the actin cytoskeleton. Here we discuss some of the most recent advances made in PT signal transduction cascades and their implications for our future research. For reasons of space, emphasis was given to signalling mechanisms that control PT reorientation, so naturally many other relevant works have not been cited.

Correlative Analysis of [Ca](C) and Apical Secretion during Pollen Tube Growth and Reorientation

The maintenance of a cytosolic free calcium gradient (Ca(2+)](c)) and vesicle secretion in the apex of pollen tubes is essential for growth. It has been postulated that high [Ca(2+)](c) levels promote and confine vesicle fusion with the apical plasma membrane and in this study we performed a correlative analysis of both events using specific fluorescent dyes and confocal scanning microscopy. [Ca(2+)](c) was imaged with Calcium Green-1 10 kDa dextran (CG-1) while secretory events were followed with FM1-43 or FM4-64 in pollen tubes undergoing normal growth and reorientation events.During straight growth (no modification in direction), we found that changes in apical [Ca(2+)](c) accompany changes in apical FM fluorescence indicating a tight coupling between [Ca(2+)](c) and apical secretion. This coupling seems however to be perturbed during periods of reorientation of the pollen tube growth axis. Analysis of apical and sub-apical fluorescent signals during the reorientation events and subsequent re-entry in straight growth indicate that the increase in secretory events (higher fusion rate) precede the increases in [Ca(2+)](c) that should be required for the transduction of the signal.Based on these findings, we discuss a model for membrane secretion and recycling which considers the apical and sub-apical region as a functional area containing all the elements required to promote and sustain growth.

Change in the actin cytoskeleton during seismonastic movement of Mimosa pudica

The seismonastic movement of Mimosa pudica is triggered by a sudden loss of turgor pressure. In the present study, we compared the cell cytoskeleton by immunofluorescence analysis before and after movement, and the effects of actin- and microtubule-targeted drugs were examined by injecting them into the cut pulvinus. We found that fragmentation of actin filaments and microtubules occurs during bending, although the actin cytoskeleton, but not the microtubules, was involved in regulation of the movement. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that actin cables became loose after the bending. We injected phosphatase inhibitors into the severed pulvinus to examine the effects of such inhibitors on the actin cytoskeleton. We found that changes in actin isoforms, fragmentation of actin filaments and the bending movement were all inhibited after injection of a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. We thus propose that the phosphorylation status of actin at tyrosine residues affects the dynamic reorganization of actin filaments and causes seismonastic movement.

Control of the actin cytoskeleton in plant cell growth

Plant cells grow through increases in volume and cell wall surface area. The mature morphology of a plant cell is a product of the differential rates of expansion between neighboring zones of the cell wall during this process. Filamentous actin arrays are associated with plant cell growth, and the activity of actin-binding proteins is proving to be essential for proper cell morphogenesis. Actin-nucleating proteins participate in cell expansion and cell plate formation whereas the recycling of actin monomers is required to maintain actin dynamics and controlled growth. Coordination of actin-binding protein activity and other aspects of cytoskeletal behavior during cell development maintains cohesive cell expansion. Emerging plant signaling networks are proving to be powerful regulators of morphology-shaping cytoskeletal activity, and in this review we highlight current research in actin network regulation.

Plant villin, lily P-135-ABP, possesses G-actin binding activity and accelerates the polymerization and depolymerization of actin in a Ca2+-sensitive manner

From germinating pollen of lily, two types of villins, P-115-ABP and P-135-ABP, have been identified biochemically. Ca(2+)-CaM-dependent actin-filament binding and bundling activities have been demonstrated for both villins previously. Here, we examined the effects of lily villins on the polymerization and depolymerization of actin. P-115-ABP and P-135-ABP present in a crude protein extract prepared from germinating pollen bound to a DNase I affinity column in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Purified P-135-ABP reduced the lag period that precedes actin filament polymerization from monomers in the presence of either Ca(2+) or Ca(2+)-CaM. These results indicated that P-135-ABP can form a complex with G-actin in the presence of Ca(2+) and this complex acts as a nucleus for polymerization of actin filaments. However, the nucleation activity of P-135-ABP is probably not relevant in vivo because the assembly of G-actin saturated with profilin, a situation that mimics conditions found in pollen, was not accelerated in the presence of P-135-ABP. P-135-ABP also enhanced the depolymerization of actin filaments during dilution-mediated disassembly. Growth from filament barbed ends in the presence of Ca(2+)-CaM was also prevented, consistent with filament capping activity. These results suggested that lily villin is involved not only in the arrangement of actin filaments into bundles in the basal and shank region of the pollen tube, but also in regulating and modulating actin dynamics through its capping and depolymerization (or fragmentation) activities in the apical region of the pollen tube, where there is a relatively high concentration of Ca(2+).

Modulation of endocytosis in pollen tube growth by phosphoinositides and phospholipids

In plants, tip-growing cells represent an ideal system to investigate signal transduction mechanisms, and among those, pollen tubes are one of the favourite models. Many signalling pathways have been identified during germination and tip growth, namely, Ca2+, calmodulin, phosphoinositides, cyclic AMP, and GTPases. Not surprisingly, the apical secretory machinery, essential for tip growth, seems to be an intersection point for all these pathways. Recently, the phospholipid phosphatidic acid was also suggested to actively participate in the control of endo- and exocytosis and to interfere with the correct positioning of the actin cytoskeleton. Phosphatidic acid seems to act concertedly with the phosphoinositides phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Here we review previous data and discuss additional evidence that these three molecules have a combined action modulating both the actin cytoskeleton and the apical secretory machinery. We further discuss how these findings can be integrated into a working model for pollen tube apical secretion that contemplates the existence of a rapid endocytosis mechanism.

Peroxisomal localization of a myosin XI isoform in Arabidopsis thaliana

The genome of Arabidopsis thaliana contains 13 myosin XI isoforms. Here we prepared a specific antibody against a peptide that mimics a unique C-terminal region from the myosin XI isoform, MYA2. The resulting antibody was used to demonstrate that MYA2 in Arabidopsis protein extracts co-sedimented with actin filaments and dissociated from the filaments with ATP treatment. Immunolocalization studies showed that MYA2 co-localized predominantly with actin filaments in clustered punctuate dots in leaf epidermal cells, root hair cells and suspension-cultured cells. In a transgenic plant in which peroxisomes are labeled with green fluorescent protein, some MYA2 signals were localized on peroxisomes in an actin-dependent manner. We propose that the peroxisome is one of the cargos translocated by MYA2 on actin filaments.

Enhanced fixation reveals the apical cortical fringe of actin filaments as a consistent feature of the pollen tube

The actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in the growth and polarity of the pollen tube. Due to inconsistencies in the conventional preservation methods, we lack a unified view of the organization of actin microfilaments, especially in the apical domain, where tip growth occurs. In an attempt to improve fixation methods, we have developed a rapid freeze-whole mount procedure, in which growing pollen tubes (primarily lily) are frozen in liquid propane at -180 degrees C, substituted at -80 degrees C in acetone containing glutaraldehyde, rehydrated, quenched with sodium borohydride, and probed with antibodies. Confocal microscopy reveals a distinct organization of actin in the apical domain that consists of a dense cortical fringe or collar of microfilaments starting about 1-5 microm behind the extreme apex and extending basally for an additional 5-10 microm. In the shank of the pollen tube, basal to the fringe, actin forms abundant longitudinal filaments that are evenly dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. We have also developed an improved ambient-temperature chemical fixation procedure, modified from a protocol based on simultaneous fixation and phalloidin staining. We removed EGTA, elevated the pH to 9, and augmented the fixative with ethylene glycol bis[sulfosuccinimidylsuccinate] (sulfo-EGS). Notably, this protocol preserves the actin cytoskeleton in a pattern similar to that produced by cryofixation. These procedures provide a reproducible way to preserve the actin cytoskeleton; employing them, we find that a cortical fringe in the apex and finely dispersed longitudinal filaments in the shank are consistent features of the actin cytoskeleton.

Arabidopsis VILLIN1 generates actin filament cables that are resistant to depolymerization

Dynamic cytoplasmic streaming, organelle positioning, and nuclear migration use molecular tracks generated from actin filaments arrayed into higher-order structures like actin cables and bundles. How these arrays are formed and stabilized against cellular depolymerizing forces remains an open question. Villin and fimbrin are the best characterized actin-filament bundling or cross-linking proteins in plants and each is encoded by a multigene family of five members in Arabidopsis thaliana. The related villins and gelsolins are conserved proteins that are constructed from a core of six homologous gelsolin domains. Gelsolin is a calcium-regulated actin filament severing, nucleating and barbed end capping factor. Villin has a seventh domain at its C terminus, the villin headpiece, which can bind to an actin filament, conferring the ability to crosslink or bundle actin filaments. Many, but not all, villins retain the ability to sever, nucleate, and cap filaments. Here we have identified a putative calcium-insensitive villin isoform through comparison of sequence alignments between human gelsolin and plant villins with x-ray crystallography data for vertebrate gelsolin. VILLIN1 (VLN1) has the least well-conserved type 1 and type 2 calcium binding sites among the Arabidopsis VILLIN isoforms. Recombinant VLN1 binds to actin filaments with high affinity (K(d) approximately 1 microM) and generates bundled filament networks; both properties are independent of the free Ca(2+) concentration. Unlike human plasma gelsolin, VLN1 does not nucleate the assembly of filaments from monomer, does not block the polymerization of profilin-actin onto barbed ends, and does not stimulate depolymerization or sever preexisting filaments. In kinetic assays with ADF/cofilin, villin appears to bind first to growing filaments and protects filaments against ADF-mediated depolymerization. We propose that VLN1 is a major regulator of the formation and stability of actin filament bundles in plant cells and that it functions to maintain the cable network even in the presence of stimuli that result in depolymerization of other actin arrays.

Identification and characterization of a Ca2+-dependent actin filament-severing protein from lily pollen

It is well known that a tip-focused intracellular Ca2+ gradient and the meshwork of short actin filaments at the tip region are necessary for pollen tube growth. However, little is known about the connections between the two factors. Here, a novel Ca2+-dependent actin-binding protein with molecular mass of 41 kD from lily (Lilium davidii) pollen (LdABP41) was isolated and purified with DNase I chromatography. Our purification procedure yielded about 0.6 mg of LdABP41 with >98% purity from 10 g of lily pollen. At least two isoforms with isoelectric points of 5.8 and 6.0 were detected on two-dimensional gels. The results of N-terminal sequencing and mass-spectrometry analysis of LdABP41 showed that both isoforms shared substantial similarity with trumpet lily (Lilium longiflorum) villin and other members of the gelsolin superfamily. Negative-stained electron microscope images showed that LdABP41 severed in vitro-polymerized lily pollen F-actin into short actin filaments in a Ca2+-sensitive manner. Microinjection of the anti-LdABP41 antibody into germinated lily pollen demonstrated that the protein was required for pollen tube growth. The results of immunolocalization of the protein showed that it existed in the cytoplasm of the pollen tube, especially focused in the tip region. Our results suggest that LdABP41 belongs to the gelsolin superfamily and may play an important role in controlling actin organization in the pollen tube tip by responding to the oscillatory, tip-focused Ca2+ gradient.

Cytoplasmic streaming in plants

Plant cells are surrounded by a cell wall composed of polysaccharides and hence can change neither their form nor their position. However, active movement of organelles (cytoplasmic streaming or protoplasmic streaming) is observed in plant cells, and involvement of the actin/myosin system in these processes has been suggested. Successful biochemical and biophysical approaches to studying myosins have extensively promoted the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying these phenomena.

The role of the actin cytoskeleton in plant cell signaling

The plant actin cytoskeleton provides a dynamic cellular component which is involved in the maintenance of cell shape and structure. It has been demonstrated recently that the actin cytoskeleton and its associated elements provide a key target in many signaling events. In addition to acting as a target, the actin cytoskeleton can also act as a transducer of signal information. In this review we describe some newly discovered aspects of the roles of the actin cytoskeleton in plant cell signaling. In addition to a summary of the roles played by actin-binding proteins, we also briefly review the progress made in understanding how the actin cytoskeleton participates in the self-incompatibility response in pollen tubes. Finally, the emerging importance of the actin cytoskeleton in the perception and responses to stimuli such as gravity, touch and cold stress exposure are discussed. Contents I. Introduction - the actin cytoskeleton 13 II. Actin-binding proteins 14 III. The actin cytoskeleton as a target and mediator of plant cell signaling 20 IV. Summary and conclusion 25 References 25 Acknowledgements 25.

A Gelsolin-like Protein from Papaver rhoeas Pollen (PrABP80) Stimulates Calcium-regulated Severing and Depolymerization of Actin Filaments

The cytoskeleton is a key regulator of plant morphogenesis, sexual reproduction, and cellular responses to extracellular stimuli. During the self-incompatibility response of Papaver rhoeas L. (field poppy) pollen, the actin filament network is rapidly depolymerized by a flood of cytosolic free Ca2+ that results in cessation of tip growth and prevention of fertilization. Attempts to model this dramatic cytoskeletal response with known pollen actin-binding proteins (ABPs) revealed that the major G-actin-binding protein profilin can account for only a small percentage of the measured depolymerization. We have identified an 80-kDa, Ca(2+)-regulated ABP from poppy pollen (PrABP80) and characterized its biochemical properties in vitro. Sequence determination by mass spectrometry revealed that PrABP80 is related to gelsolin and villin. The molecular weight, lack of filament cross-linking activity, and a potent severing activity are all consistent with PrABP80 being a plant gelsolin. Kinetic analysis of actin assembly/disassembly reactions revealed that substoichiometric amounts of PrABP80 can nucleate actin polymerization from monomers, block the assembly of profilin-actin complex onto actin filament ends, and enhance profilin-mediated actin depolymerization. Fluorescence microscopy of individual actin filaments provided compelling, direct evidence for filament severing and confirmed the actin nucleation and barbed end capping properties. This is the first direct evidence for a plant gelsolin and the first example of efficient severing by a plant ABP. We propose that PrABP80 functions at the center of the self-incompatibility response by creating new filament pointed ends for disassembly and by blocking barbed ends from profilin-actin assembly.

Plant 115-kDa actin-filament bundling protein, P-115-ABP, is a homologue of plant villin and is widely distributed in cells

In many cases, actin filaments are arranged into bundles and serve as tracks for cytoplasmic streaming in plant cells. We have isolated an actin-filament bundling protein, which is composed of 115-kDa polypeptide (P-115-ABP), from the germinating pollen of lily, Lilium longiflorum [Nakayasu et al. (1998) BIOCHEM: Biophys. Res. Commun. 249: 61]. P-115-ABP shared similar antigenicity with a plant 135-kDa actin-filament bundling protein (P-135-ABP), a plant homologue of villin. A full-length cDNA clone (ABP115; accession no. AB097407) was isolated from an expression cDNA library of lily pollen by immuno-screening using antisera against P-115-ABP and P-135-ABP. The amino acid sequence of P-115-ABP deduced from this clone showed high homology with those of P-135-ABP and four villin isoforms of Arabidopsis thaliana (AtVLN1, AtVLN2, AtVLN3 and AtVLN4), especially AtVLN4, indicating that P-115-ABP can also be classified as a plant villin. The P-115-ABP isolated biochemically from the germinating lily pollen was able to arrange F-actin filaments with uniform polarity into bundles and this bundling activity was suppressed by Ca2+-calmodulin (CaM), similar to the actin-filament bundling properties of P-135-ABP. The P-115-ABP type of plant villin was widely distributed in plant cells, from algae to land plants. In root hair cells of Hydrocharis dubia, this type of plant villin was co-localized with actin-filament bundles in the transvacuolar strands and the sub-cortical regions. Microinjection of the antiserum against P-115-ABP into living root hair cells caused the disappearance of transvaculor strands and alteration of the route of cytoplasmic streaming. In internodal cells of Chara corallina in which the P-135-ABP type of plant villin is lacking, the P-115-ABP type showed co-localization with actin-filament cables anchored on the intracellular surface of chloroplasts. These results indicated that plant villins are widely distributed and involved in the organization of actin filaments into bundles throughout the plant kingdom.