Actin-based motility of endosomes is linked to the polar tip growth of root hairs

Eur J Cell Biol. 2005 Jun;84(6):609-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2004.12.029.

Abstract

Plant tip growth has been recognized as an actin-based cellular process requiring targeted exocytosis and compensatory endocytosis to occur at the growth cone. However, the identity of subcellular compartments involved in polarized membrane trafficking pathways remains enigmatic in plants. Here we characterize endosomal compartments in tip-growing root hair cells. We demonstrate their presence at the growing tip and differential distribution upon cessation of tip growth. We also show that both the presence of endosomes as well as their rapid movements within the tip region depends on an intact actin cytoskeleton and involves actin polymerization. In conclusion, actin-propelled endosomal motility is tightly linked to the polar tip growth of root hairs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics
  • Actins / physiology*
  • Androstadienes / pharmacology
  • Arabidopsis
  • Brefeldin A / pharmacology
  • Depsipeptides / pharmacology
  • Endosomes / chemistry
  • Endosomes / drug effects
  • Endosomes / physiology*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Medicago truncatula
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Plant Roots / cytology
  • Plant Roots / growth & development
  • Plant Roots / physiology*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Wortmannin

Substances

  • Actins
  • Androstadienes
  • Depsipeptides
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • fluorescent protein 583
  • jasplakinolide
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Brefeldin A
  • Wortmannin