New insights into the role of plant formins: regulating the organization of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton

Protoplasma. 2012 Jun:249 Suppl 2:S101-7. doi: 10.1007/s00709-011-0368-0. Epub 2012 Jan 4.

Abstract

Formins are well-known as important regulators participating in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in organisms. For many years in the past, research on plant formins is more difficult than that in other eukaryotic formins and is limited to class I formins. Nevertheless, positive progress has been made in plant formin research recently, especially the investigations on class II formins. New functions of plant formins are identified gradually, such as regulating cell division and affecting diffuse cell expansion. More significantly, plant formins are also verified to interact with microtubules in vivo and in vitro. They may probably function as linking proteins between microtubules and microfilaments to participate in various cellular processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Microfilament Proteins / chemistry
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Multigene Family / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / metabolism*

Substances

  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Plant Proteins