Tobacco microtubule-associated protein, MAP65-1c, bundles and stabilizes microtubules

Plant Mol Biol. 2010 Dec;74(6):537-47. doi: 10.1007/s11103-010-9694-4. Epub 2010 Sep 30.

Abstract

Three genes that encode MAP65-1 family proteins have been identified in the Nicotiana tabacum genome. In this study, NtMAP65-1c fusion protein was shown to bind and bundle microtubules (MTs). Further in vitro investigations demonstrated that NtMAP65-1c not only alters MT assembly and nucleation, but also exhibits high MT stabilizing activity against cold or katanin-induced destabilization. Analysis of NtMAP65-1c-GFP expressing BY-2 cells clearly demonstrated that NtMAP65-1c was able to bind to MTs during specific stages of the cell cycle. Furthermore, in vivo, NtMAP65-1c-GFP-bound cortical MTs displayed an increase in resistance against the MT-disrupting drug, propyzamide, as well as against cold temperatures. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that NtMAP65-1c stabilizes MTs and is involved in the regulation of MT organization and cellular dynamics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / analysis
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / physiology*
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure
  • Nicotiana / metabolism*
  • Nicotiana / ultrastructure
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Plant Proteins / physiology*
  • Polymerization
  • Protein Stability
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / analysis

Substances

  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Plant Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins