Dataset Information
Lifeact-mEGFP reveals a dynamic apical F-actin network in tip growing plant cells.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Actin is essential for tip growth in plants. However, imaging actin in live plant cells has heretofore presented challenges. In previous studies, fluorescent probes derived from actin-binding proteins often alter growth, cause actin bundling and fail to resolve actin microfilaments.Methodology/principal findings
In this report we use Lifeact-mEGFP, an actin probe that does not affect the dynamics of actin, to visualize actin in the moss Physcomitrella patens and pollen tubes from Lilium formosanum and Nicotiana tobaccum. Lifeact-mEGFP robustly labels actin microfilaments, particularly in the apex, in both moss protonemata and pollen tubes. Lifeact-mEGFP also labels filamentous actin structures in other moss cell types, including cells of the gametophore.Conclusions/significance
Lifeact-mEGFP, when expressed at optimal levels does not alter moss protonemal or pollen tube growth. We suggest that Lifeact-mEGFP represents an exciting new versatile probe for further studies of actin's role in tip growing plant cells.
SUBMITTER: Vidali L
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2684639 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Lifeact-mEGFP reveals a dynamic apical F-actin network in tip growing plant cells.
PloS one 20090529 5
<h4>Background</h4>Actin is essential for tip growth in plants. However, imaging actin in live plant cells has heretofore presented challenges. In previous studies, fluorescent probes derived from actin-binding proteins often alter growth, cause actin bundling and fail to resolve actin microfilaments.<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>In this report we use Lifeact-mEGFP, an actin probe that does not affect the dynamics of actin, to visualize actin in the moss Physcomitrella patens and pollen ...[more]