Identification and dynamics of Arabidopsis adaptor protein-2 complex and its involvement in floral organ development

Plant Cell. 2013 Aug;25(8):2958-69. doi: 10.1105/tpc.113.114082. Epub 2013 Aug 23.

Abstract

The adaptor protein-2 (AP-2) complex is a heterotetramer involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis of cargo proteins from the plasma membrane in animal cells. The homologous genes of AP-2 subunits are present in the genomes of plants; however, their identities and roles in endocytic pathways are not clearly defined in plants. Here, we reveal the molecular composition of the AP-2 complex of Arabidopsis thaliana and its dynamics on the plasma membrane. We identified all of the α-, β-, σ-, and μ-subunits of the AP-2 complex and detected a weak interaction of the AP-2 complex with clathrin heavy chain. The μ-subunit protein fused to green fluorescent protein (AP2M-GFP) was localized to the plasma membrane and to the cytoplasm. Live-cell imaging using a variable-angle epifluorescence microscope revealed that AP2M-GFP transiently forms punctate structures on the plasma membrane. Homozygous ap2m mutant plants exhibited abnormal floral structures, including reduced stamen elongation and delayed anther dehiscence, which led to a failure of pollination and a subsequent reduction of fertility. Our study provides a molecular basis for understanding AP-2-dependent endocytic pathways in plants and their roles in floral organ development and plant reproduction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Protein Complex 2 / metabolism*
  • Arabidopsis / growth & development*
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism*
  • Arabidopsis / ultrastructure
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Flowers / growth & development*
  • Flowers / metabolism*
  • Flowers / ultrastructure
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Homozygote
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Plant Development
  • Pollen / growth & development
  • Pollen / metabolism
  • Pollen / ultrastructure
  • Protein Transport
  • Tyrosine / metabolism

Substances

  • Adaptor Protein Complex 2
  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Tyrosine

Associated data

  • RefSeq/NP_001024865
  • RefSeq/NP_592921