Longin R-SNARE is retrieved from the plasma membrane by ANTH domain-containing proteins in Arabidopsis.

The plasma membrane (PM) acts as the interface between intra- and extracellular environments and exhibits a tightly regulated molecular composition. The composition and amount of PM proteins are regulated by balancing endocytic and exocytic trafficking in a cargo-specific manner, according to the demands of specific cellular states and developmental processes. In plant cells, retrieval of membrane proteins from the PM depends largely on clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). However, the mechanisms for sorting PM proteins during CME remain ambiguous. In this study, we identified a homologous pair of ANTH domain-containing proteins, PICALM1a and PICALM1b, as adaptor proteins for CME of the secretory vesicle-associated longin-type R-SNARE VAMP72 group. PICALM1 interacted with the SNARE domain of VAMP72 and clathrin at the PM. The loss of function of PICALM1 resulted in faulty retrieval of VAMP72, whereas general endocytosis was not considerably affected by this mutation. The double mutant of PICALM1 exhibited impaired vegetative development, indicating the requirement of VAMP72 recycling for normal plant growth. In the mammalian system, VAMP7, which is homologous to plant VAMP72, is retrieved from the PM via the interaction with a clathrin adaptor HIV Rev-binding protein in the longin domain during CME, which is not functional in the plant system, whereas retrieval of brevin-type R-SNARE members is dependent on a PICALM1 homolog. These results indicate that ANTH domain-containing proteins have evolved to be recruited distinctly for recycling R-SNARE proteins and are critical to eukaryote physiology.

FMT, a protein that affects mitochondrial distribution, interacts with translation-related proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana.

KEY MESSAGE: Two translation-related proteins are identified as FMT-interacting proteins. However, FMT, unlike mutants of other CLU genes in fly and human, has no clear impact on the accumulation of mitochondrial proteins. Organelle distribution is critical for effective metabolism and stress response and is controlled by various environmental factors. Clustered mitochondria (CLU) superfamily genes affect mitochondrial distribution and their disruptions cause mitochondria to cluster within a cell in various species including yeast, fly, mammals and Arabidopsis. In Arabidopsis thaliana, Friendly mitochondria (FMT) is a CLU gene that is required for normal mitochondrial distribution, but its molecular function is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that FMT interacts with some translation-related proteins (translation initiation factor eIFiso4G1 and glutamyl-tRNA synthetase OVA9), as well as itself. We also show FMT forms dynamic particles in the cytosol that sometimes move with mitochondria, and their movements are mainly controlled by actin filaments but also by microtubules. Similar results have been reported for animal CLU orthologs. However, an fmt mutant, unlike animal clu mutants, did not show any clear decrease of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein levels. This difference may reflect a functional divergence of FMT from other CLU superfamily genes.

Transcriptional switch for programmed cell death in pith parenchyma of sorghum stems.

Pith parenchyma cells store water in various plant organs. These cells are especially important for producing sugar and ethanol from the sugar juice of grass stems. In many plants, the death of pith parenchyma cells reduces their stem water content. Previous studies proposed that a hypothetical D gene might be responsible for the death of stem pith parenchyma cells in Sorghum bicolor, a promising energy grass, although its identity and molecular function are unknown. Here, we identify the D gene and note that it is located on chromosome 6 in agreement with previous predictions. Sorghum varieties with a functional D allele had stems enriched with dry, dead pith parenchyma cells, whereas those with each of six independent nonfunctional D alleles had stems enriched with juicy, living pith parenchyma cells. D expression was spatiotemporally coupled with the appearance of dead, air-filled pith parenchyma cells in sorghum stems. Among D homologs that are present in flowering plants, Arabidopsis ANAC074 also is required for the death of stem pith parenchyma cells. D and ANAC074 encode previously uncharacterized NAC transcription factors and are sufficient to ectopically induce programmed death of Arabidopsis culture cells via the activation of autolytic enzymes. Taken together, these results indicate that D and its Arabidopsis ortholog, ANAC074, are master transcriptional switches that induce programmed death of stem pith parenchyma cells. Thus, targeting the D gene will provide an approach to breeding crops for sugar and ethanol production.

Spatial kernel models capturing field heterogeneity for accurate estimation of genetic potential.

According to Fisher's principles, an experimental field is typically divided into multiple blocks for local control. Although homogeneity is supposed within a block, this assumption may not be practical for large blocks, such as those including hundreds of plots. In line evaluation trials, which are essential in plant breeding, field heterogeneity must be carefully treated, because it can cause bias in the estimation of genetic potential. To more accurately estimate genotypic values in a large field trial, we developed spatial kernel models incorporating genome-wide markers, which consider continuous heterogeneity within a block and over the field. In the simulation study, the spatial kernel models were robust under various conditions. Although heritability, spatial autocorrelation range, replication number, and missing plots directly affected the estimation accuracy of genotypic values, the spatial kernel models always showed superior performance over the classical block model. We also employed these spatial kernel models for quantitative trait locus mapping. Finally, using field experimental data of bioenergy sorghum lines, we validated the performance of the spatial kernel models. The results suggested that a spatial kernel model is effective for evaluating the genetic potential of lines in a heterogeneous field.

RAD-seq-Based High-Density Linkage Map Construction and QTL Mapping of Biomass-Related Traits in Sorghum using the Japanese Landrace Takakibi NOG.

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown locally by Japanese farmers is generically termed Takakibi, although its genetic diversity compared with geographically distant varieties or even within Takakibi lines remains unclear. To explore the genomic diversity and genetic traits controlling biomass and other physiological traits in Takakibi, we focused on a landrace, NOG, in this study. Admixture analysis of 460 sorghum accessions revealed that NOG belonged to the subgroup that represented Asian sorghums, and it was only distantly related to American/African accessions including BTx623. In an attempt to dissect major traits related to biomass, we generated a recombinant inbred line (RIL) from a cross between BTx623 and NOG, and we constructed a high-density linkage map based on 3,710 single-nucleotide polymorphisms obtained by restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing of 213 RIL individuals. Consequently, 13 fine quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9, which included five QTLs for days to heading, three for plant height (PH) and total shoot fresh weight and two for Brix. Furthermore, we identified two dominant loci for PH as being identical to the previously reported dw1 and dw3. Together, these results corroborate the diversified genome of Japanese Takakibi, while the RIL population and high-density linkage map generated in this study will be useful for dissecting other important traits in sorghum.

Impacts of dominance effects on genomic prediction of sorghum hybrid performance.

Non-additive (dominance and epistasis) effects have remarkable influences on hybrid performance, e.g., via heterosis. Nevertheless, only additive effects are often considered in genomic predictions (GP). In this study, we demonstrated the importance of dominance effects in the prediction of hybrid performance in bioenergy sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The dataset contained more than 400 hybrids between 200 inbred lines and two testers. The hybrids exhibited considerable heterosis in culm length and fresh weight, and the degree of heterosis was consistent with the genetic distance from the corresponding tester. The degree of heterosis was further different among subpopulations. Conversely, Brix exhibited limited heterosis. Regarding GP, we examined three statistical models and four training dataset types. In most of the dataset types, genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) with additive effects had lower prediction accuracy than GBLUP with additive and dominance effects (GBLUP-AD) and Gaussian kernel regression (GK). The superiority of GBLUP-AD and GK depended on the level of dominance variance, which was high for culm length and fresh weight, and low for Brix. Considering subpopulations, the influence of dominance was more complex. Our findings highlight the importance of considering dominance effects in GP models for sorghum hybrid breeding.

Effect of salt tolerance on biomass production in a large population of sorghum accessions.

Salinity causes major reductions in cultivated land area, crop productivity, and crop quality, and salt-tolerant crops have been required to sustain agriculture in salinized areas. The annual C4 crop plant Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is salt tolerant, with large variation among accessions. Sorghum's salt tolerance is often evaluated during early growth, but such evaluations are weakly related to overall performance. Here, we evaluated salt tolerance of 415 sorghum accessions grown in saline soil (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl) for 3 months. Some accessions produced up to 400 g per plant of biomass and showed no growth inhibition at 50 mM NaCl. Our analysis indicated that the genetic factors that affected biomass production under 100 mM salt stress were more different from those without salt stress, comparing to the differences between those under 50 mM and 100 mM salt stress. A genome-wide association study for salt tolerance identified two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were significantly associated with biomass production, only at 50 mM NaCl. Additionally, two SNPs were significantly associated with salt tolerance index as an indicator for growth response of each accession to salt stress. Our results offer candidate genetic resources and SNP markers for breeding salt-tolerant sorghum.

Enrichment of Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate in the Extra-Invasive Hyphal Membrane Promotes Colletotrichum Infection of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Pathogenic fungi from the genus Colletotrichum form invasive hyphae; the hyphae are surrounded by an extra-invasive hyphal membrane (EIHM), which is continuous with the plant plasma membrane. Although the EIHM plays a crucial role as the interface between plant and fungal cells, its precise function during Colletotrichum infection remains elusive. Here, we show that enrichment of phosphoinositides (PIs) has a crucial role in Colletotrichum infection. We observed the localization of PIs in Arabidopsis thaliana cells infected by A. thaliana-adapted Colletotrichum higginsianum (Ch), and found that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] was extremely enriched in the EIHM during Ch infection. We also found that phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate-5 kinase (PIP5K), which catalyzes production of PI(4,5)P2, also accumulated at the EIHM. The overexpression of PIP5K3 in A. thaliana increased hyphal invasion by Ch. An exocytic factor, EXO84b, was targeted to the EIHM during Ch infection, although endocytic factors such as CLATHRIN LIGHT CHAIN 2 and FLOTILLIN 1 did not. Intriguingly, the interfacial membranes between A. thaliana and powdery mildew- or downy mildew-causing pathogens did not accumulate PI(4,5)P2. These results suggest that Ch could modify the PI(4,5)P2 levels in the EIHM to increase the exocytic membrane/protein supply of the EIHM for successful infection. Our results also suggest that PI(4,5)P2 biosynthesis is a promising target for improved defense against Colletotrichum infection.

Salt-induced remodeling of spatially restricted clathrin-independent endocytic pathways in Arabidopsis root.

Endocytosis is a ubiquitous cellular process that is characterized well in animal cells in culture but poorly across intact, functioning tissue. Here, we analyze endocytosis throughout the Arabidopsis thaliana root using three classes of probes: a lipophilic dye, tagged transmembrane proteins, and a lipid-anchored protein. We observe a stratified distribution of endocytic processes. A clathrin-dependent endocytic pathway that internalizes transmembrane proteins functions in all cell layers, while a sterol-dependent, clathrin-independent pathway that takes up lipid and lipid-anchored proteins but not transmembrane proteins is restricted to the epidermal layer. Saline stress induces a third pathway that is clathrin-independent, nondiscriminatory in its choice of cargo, and operates across all layers of the root. Concomitantly, small acidic compartments in inner cell layers expand to form larger vacuole-like structures. Plants lacking function of the Rab-GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) VPS9a (vacuolar protein sorting 9A) neither induce the third endocytic pathway nor expand the vacuolar system in response to salt stress. The plants are also hypersensitive to salt. Thus, saline stress reconfigures clathrin-independent endocytosis and remodels endomembrane systems, forming large vacuoles in the inner cell layers, both processes correlated by the requirement of VPS9a activity.

The trans-Golgi Network and the Golgi Stacks Behave Independently During Regeneration After Brefeldin A Treatment in Tobacco BY-2 Cells.

The trans-Golgi network (TGN) plays an essential role in intracellular membrane trafficking. In plant cells, recent live-cell imaging studies have revealed the dynamic behavior of the TGN independent from the Golgi apparatus. In order to better understand the relationships between the two organelles, we examined their dynamic responses to the reagent brefeldin A (BFA) and their recovery after BFA removal. Golgi markers responded to BFA similarly over a range of concentrations, whereas the behavior of the TGN was BFA concentration dependent. The TGN formed aggregates at high concentrations of BFA; however, TGN proteins relocalized to numerous small vesicular structures dispersed throughout the cytoplasm at lower BFA concentrations. During recovery from weak BFA treatment, the TGN started to regenerate earlier than the completion of the Golgi. The regeneration of the two organelles proceeded independently of each other for a while, and eventually was completed by their association. Our data suggest that there is some degree of autonomy for the regeneration of the TGN and the Golgi in tobacco BY-2 cells.

Insights into the localization and function of the membrane trafficking regulator GNOM ARF-GEF at the Golgi apparatus in Arabidopsis.

GNOM is one of the most characterized membrane trafficking regulators in plants, with crucial roles in development. GNOM encodes an ARF-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (ARF-GEF) that activates small GTPases of the ARF (ADP ribosylation factor) class to mediate vesicle budding at endomembranes. The crucial role of GNOM in recycling of PIN auxin transporters and other proteins to the plasma membrane was identified in studies using the ARF-GEF inhibitor brefeldin A (BFA). GNOM, the most prominent regulator of recycling in plants, has been proposed to act and localize at so far elusive recycling endosomes. Here, we report the GNOM localization in context of its cellular function in Arabidopsis thaliana. State-of-the-art imaging, pharmacological interference, and ultrastructure analysis show that GNOM predominantly localizes to Golgi apparatus. Super-resolution confocal live imaging microscopy identified GNOM and its closest homolog GNOM-like 1 at distinct subdomains on Golgi cisternae. Short-term BFA treatment stabilizes GNOM at the Golgi apparatus, whereas prolonged exposures results in GNOM translocation to trans-Golgi network (TGN)/early endosomes (EEs). Malformed TGN/EE in gnom mutants suggests a role for GNOM in maintaining TGN/EE function. Our results redefine the subcellular action of GNOM and reevaluate the identity and function of recycling endosomes in plants.

DRP1-Dependent Endocytosis is Essential for Polar Localization and Boron-Induced Degradation of the Borate Transporter BOR1 in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Boron (B) is essential for plants but toxic in excess. The borate efflux transporter BOR1 is expressed in various root cells and localized to the inner/stele-side domain of the plasma membrane (PM) under low-B conditions. BOR1 is rapidly degraded through endocytosis upon sufficient B supply. The polar localization and degradation of BOR1 are considered important for efficient B translocation and avoidance of B toxicity, respectively. In this study, we first analyzed the subcellular localization of BOR1 in roots, cotyledons and hypocotyls, and revealed a polar localization in various cell types. We also found that the inner polarity of BOR1 is established after completion of cytokinesis in the root meristem. Moreover, variable-angle epifluorescence microscopy visualized BOR1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) as particles in the PM with significant lateral movements but in restricted areas. Importantly, a portion of BOR1-GFP particles co-localized with DYNAMIN-RELATED PROTEIN 1A (DRP1A), which is involved in scission of the clathrin-coated vesicles, and they disappeared together from the PM. To examine the contribution of DRP1A-mediated endocytosis to BOR1 localization and degradation, we developed an inducible expression system of the DRP1A K47A variant. The DRP1A variant prolonged the residence time of clathrin on the PM and inhibited endocytosis of membrane lipids. The dominant-negative DRP1A blocked endocytosis of BOR1 and disturbed its polar localization and B-induced degradation. Our results provided insight into the endocytic mechanisms that modulate the subcellular localization and abundance of a mineral transporter for nutrient homeostasis in plant cells.

SNARE Molecules in Marchantia polymorpha: Unique and Conserved Features of the Membrane Fusion Machinery.

The membrane trafficking pathway has been diversified in a specific way for each eukaryotic lineage, probably to fulfill specific functions in the organisms. In green plants, comparative genomics has supported the possibility that terrestrialization and/or multicellularization could be associated with the elaboration and diversification of membrane trafficking pathways, which have been accomplished by an expansion of the numbers of genes required for machinery components of membrane trafficking, including soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins. However, information regarding membrane trafficking pathways in basal land plant lineages remains limited. In the present study, we conducted extensive analyses of SNARE molecules, which mediate membrane fusion between target membranes and transport vesicles or donor organelles, in the liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha. The M. polymorpha genome contained at least 34 genes for 36 SNARE proteins, comprising fundamental sets of SNARE proteins that are shared among land plant lineages with low degrees of redundancy. We examined the subcellular distribution of a major portion of these SNARE proteins by expressing Citrine-tagged SNARE proteins in M. polymorpha, and the results showed that some of the SNARE proteins were targeted to different compartments from their orthologous products in Arabidopsis thaliana. For example, MpSYP12B was localized to the surface of the oil body, which is a unique organelle in liverworts. Furthermore, we identified three VAMP72 members with distinctive structural characteristics, whose N-terminal extensions contain consensus sequences for N-myristoylation. These results suggest that M. polymorpha has acquired unique membrane trafficking pathways associated with newly acquired machinery components during evolution.

Salt stress induces internalization of plasma membrane aquaporin into the vacuole in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Salt stress is a major environmental stress for plants, causing hyperosmotic, ionic and drought-like stresses. Plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2;1 (PIP2;1), which forms a water channel that regulates water flux thorough the plasma membrane (PM), is constitutively trafficked between the PM and the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Salt stress is known to relocalize PIP2;1 to intracellular compartments, probably to decrease the water permeability of the root. However, the destination of internalized PIP2;1 and the mechanism by which PIP2;1 is internalized remain unclear. Here, we examined the effects of salt stress and inhibitors of endocytosis on the intracellular localization of green fluorescent protein-fused PIP2;1 (GFP-PIP2;1) in Arabidopsis thaliana root epidermal cells. Salt stress decreased the fluorescence of GFP-PIP2;1 at the PM and increased it in the vacuolar lumen as shown by staining of the vacuolar membrane. The internalization of PIP2;1 was suppressed by an inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis and by inhibitors of two kinases that appear to have roles in salt stress, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K). Inhibiting PI4K suppressed the salt-induced endocytosis of GFP-PIP2;1 at the PM, whereas inhibiting PI3K suppressed the trafficking of GFP-PIP2;1 after its internalization. These results suggest that salt stress induces the internalization of PIP2;1 from the PM to the vacuolar lumen, and that these processes are dependent on clathrin, PI3K and PI4K.

RCN1/OsABCG5, an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, is required for hypodermal suberization of roots in rice (Oryza sativa).

Suberin is a complex polymer composed of aliphatic and phenolic compounds. It is a constituent of apoplastic plant interfaces. In many plant species, including rice (Oryza sativa), the hypodermis in the outer part of roots forms a suberized cell wall (the Casparian strip and/or suberin lamellae), which inhibits the flow of water and ions and protects against pathogens. To date, there is no genetic evidence that suberin forms an apoplastic transport barrier in the hypodermis. We discovered that a rice reduced culm number1 (rcn1) mutant could not develop roots longer than 100 mm in waterlogged soil. The mutated gene encoded an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter named RCN1/OsABCG5. RCN1/OsABCG5 gene expression in the wild type was increased in most hypodermal and some endodermal roots cells under stagnant deoxygenated conditions. A GFP-RCN1/OsABCG5 fusion protein localized at the plasma membrane of the wild type. Under stagnant deoxygenated conditions, well suberized hypodermis developed in wild types but not in rcn1 mutants. Under stagnant deoxygenated conditions, apoplastic tracers (periodic acid and berberine) were blocked at the hypodermis in the wild type but not in rcn1, indicating that the apoplastic barrier in the mutant was impaired. The amount of the major aliphatic suberin monomers originating from C(28) and C(30) fatty acids or ω-OH fatty acids was much lower in rcn1 than in the wild type. These findings suggest that RCN1/OsABCG5 has a role in the suberization of the hypodermis of rice roots, which contributes to formation of the apoplastic barrier.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and 4-kinase have distinct roles in intracellular trafficking of cellulose synthase complexes in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The oriented deposition of cellulose microfibrils in the plant cell wall plays a crucial role in various plant functions such as cell growth, organ formation and defense responses. Cellulose is synthesized by cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) embedded in the plasma membrane (PM), which comprise the cellulose synthases (CESAs). The abundance and localization of CSCs at the PM should be strictly controlled for precise regulation of cellulose deposition, which strongly depends on the membrane trafficking system. However, the mechanism of the intracellular transport of CSCs is still poorly understood. In this study, we explored requirements for phosphoinositides (PIs) in CESA trafficking by analyzing the effects of inhibitors of PI synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana expressing green fluorescent protein-tagged CESA3 (GFP-CESA3). We found that a shift to a sucrose-free condition accelerated re-localization of PM-localized GFP-CESA3 into the periphery of the Golgi apparatus via the clathrin-enriched trans-Golgi network (TGN). Treatment with wortmannin (Wm), an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3- (PI3K) and 4- (PI4K) kinases, and phenylarsine oxide (PAO), a more specific inhibitor for PI4K, inhibited internalization of GFP-CESA3 from the PM. In contrast, treatment with LY294002, which impairs the PI3K activity, did not exert such an inhibitory effect on the sequestration of GFP-CESA3, but caused a predominant accumulation of GFP-CESA3 at the ring-shaped periphery of the Golgi apparatus, resulting in the removal of GFP-CESA3 from the PM. These results indicate that PIs are essential elements for localization and intracellular transport of CESA3 and that PI4K and PI3K are required for distinct steps in secretory and/or endocytic trafficking of CESA3.

Arabidopsis dynamin-related proteins, DRP2A and DRP2B, function coordinately in post-Golgi trafficking.

Dynamin-related proteins (DRPs) are large GTPases involved in a wide range of cellular membrane remodeling processes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, two paralogous land plant-specific type DRPs, DRP2A and DRP2B, are thought to participate in the regulation of post-Golgi trafficking. Here, we examined their molecular properties and functional relationships. qRT-PCR and GUS assays showed that DRP2A and DRP2B were expressed ubiquitously, although their expressions were strongest around root apical meristems and vascular bundles. Yeast two-hybrid, bi-molecular fluorescent complementation, and co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry analyses revealed that DRP2A and DRP2B interacted with each other. In observations with confocal laser scanning microscopy and variable incidence angle fluorescent microscopy, fluorescent fusions of DRP2A and DRP2B almost completely co-localized and were mainly localized to endocytic vesicle formation sites of the plasma membrane, clathrin-enriched trans-Golgi network and the cell plate in root epidermal cells. Treatments with wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-/4-kinases, latrunculin B, an inhibitor of actin polymerization, and oryzalin, an inhibitor of microtubule polymerization, increased the resident time of DRP2A and DRP2B on the plasma membrane. These results show that DRP2A and DRP2B function coordinately in multiple pathways of post-Golgi trafficking in phosphatidylinositol 3- or 4-kinase and cytoskeleton polymerization-dependent manners.

Arabidopsis RABA1 GTPases are involved in transport between the trans-Golgi network and the plasma membrane, and are required for salinity stress tolerance.

RAB GTPases are key regulators of membrane traffic. Among them, RAB11, a widely conserved sub-group, has evolved in a unique way in plants; plant RAB11 members show notable diversity, whereas yeast and animals have only a few RAB11 members. Fifty-seven RAB GTPases are encoded in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome, 26 of which are classified in the RAB11 group (further divided into RABA1-RABA6 sub-groups). Although several plant RAB11 members have been shown to play pivotal roles in plant-unique developmental processes, including cytokinesis and tip growth, molecular and physiological functions of the majority of RAB11 members remain unknown. To reveal precise functions of plant RAB11, we investigated the subcellular localization and dynamics of the largest sub-group of Arabidopsis RAB11, RABA1, which has nine members. RABA1 members reside on mobile punctate structures adjacent to the trans-Golgi network and co-localized with VAMP721/722, R-SNARE proteins that operate in the secretory pathway. In addition, the constitutive-active mutant of RABA1b, RABA1b(Q72L) , was present on the plasma membrane. The RABA1b -containing membrane structures showed actin-dependent dynamic motion . Vesicles labeled by GFP-RABA1b moved dynamically, forming queues along actin filaments. Interestingly, Arabidopsis plants whose four major RABA1 members were knocked out, and those expressing the dominant-negative mutant of RABA1B, exhibited hypersensitivity to salinity stress. Altogether, these results indicate that RABA1 members mediate transport between the trans-Golgi network and the plasma membrane, and are required for salinity stress tolerance.

Abdominal wall endometrioma after Cesarean section: a case series.

Abdominal wall endometrioma (AWE) results from endometrial-like tissue implants in the abdominal wall after uterine surgery. While the diagnosis can be challenging, an abdominal mass at the site of a previous incision accompanied by cyclical pain and enlargement correlating with menstruation is highly suspicious. Excision is indicated for symptomatic relief as well as the probability of malignant transformation. Because signs and symptoms are similar to other soft tissue lesions, general surgeons are sought out for excision and thus encounter the majority of AWE cases. Here, we present two patients of similar age who both presented to our hospital within one month, each found to have an endometrioma at the site of a Pfannenstiel scar after Cesarean section, and were managed operatively.

Dynamic behavior of clathrin in Arabidopsis thaliana unveiled by live imaging.

Clathrin-coated vesicles (CCV) are necessary for selective transport events, including receptor-mediated endocytosis on the plasma membrane and cargo molecule sorting in the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Components involved in CCV formation include clathrin heavy and light chains and several adaptor proteins that are conserved among plants. Clathrin-dependent endocytosis has been shown to play an integral part in plant endocytosis. However, little information is known about clathrin dynamics in living plant cells. In this study, we have visualized clathrin in Arabidopsis thaliana by tagging clathrin light chain with green fluorescent protein (CLC-GFP). Quantitative evaluations of colocalization demonstrate that the majority of CLC-GFP is localized to the TGN, and a minor population is associated with multivesicular endosomes and the Golgi trans-cisternae. Live imaging further demonstrated the presence of highly dynamic clathrin-positive tubules and vesicles, which appeared to mediate interactions between the TGNs. CLC-GFP is also targeted to cell plates and the plasma membrane. Although CLC-GFP colocalizes with a dynamin isoform at the plasma membrane, these proteins exhibit distinct distributions at newly forming cell plates. This finding indicates independent functions of CLC (clathrin light chains) and dynamin during the formation of cell plates. We have also found that brefeldin A and wortmannin treatment causes distinctly different alterations in the dynamics and distribution of clathrin-coated domains at the plasma membrane. This could account for the different effects of these drugs on plant endocytosis.