The POCs - A new class of Cellulose Synthase interacting proteins in Arabidopsis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Marek Mutwil, since 1/2015
• Subject Area: Plant Cell and Developmental Biology
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 233860436

Cellulose is composed of hydrogen-bonded beta-(1,4)-linked glucan chains, and constitutes the main load-bearing component of plant cell walls. Furthermore, this polymer presents an important source for many industrial applications, including raw material for the textile-, paper- and biofuel industries. Cellulose is synthesized at the plasma membrane by heteromeric cellulose synthase (CesA) complexes, which are guided by cortical microtubules. We have identified a CesA interacting protein, referred to as Protector Of Cellulose synthase1 (POC1). Mutations in the corresponding gene caused increased sensitivity to the cellulose synthesis inhibitor isoxaben, and led to disturbed cellulose deposition. Interestingly, POC1 holds an apoplastic Late Embryogenesis Abundant2 (LEA2) domain, which typically is associated with stress tolerance, and a cytoplasmic basic domain that may be involved in microtubule interactions. Based on preliminary data, we hypothesize that POC1 protects the CesA complex against changes in external conditions, possibly communicating these changes to the microtubules. We will further investigate the relationship between POC1 and cellulose synthesis using a combination of high definition microscopy, interactome analyses, and in vivo and in vitro studies of truncated versions of the POC1.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Privatdozent Dr. Dirk Hincha (†)
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Staffan Persson, until 12/2014