Microtubule stability affects the unique motility of F-actin in Marchantia polymorpha

J Plant Res. 2013 Jan;126(1):113-9. doi: 10.1007/s10265-012-0496-4. Epub 2012 Jun 8.

Abstract

Actin microfilaments play crucial roles in diverse plant functions. Some specific cellular processes require interaction between F-actin and microtubules, and it is believed that there are direct or indirect connections between F-actin and microtubules. We previously reported that actin microfilaments exhibit unique dynamic motility in cells of the liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha; the relevance of this activity to microtubules has not been explored. To examine whether the dynamics of F-actin in M. polymorpha were somehow regulated by microtubules, we investigated the effects of stabilization or destabilization of microtubules on dynamics of actin bundles, which were visualized by Lifeact-Venus. To our surprise, both stabilization and destabilization of microtubules exerted similar effects on F-actin motility; apparent sliding movement of F-actin in M. polymorpha cells was accelerated by both oryzalin and paclitaxel, with the effect of paclitaxel more evident than that of oryzalin. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that some F-actin bundles were arrayed along with microtubules in M. polymorpha thallus cells. These results suggest that microtubules play regulatory roles in the unique F-actin dynamics in M. polymorpha.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Biological Transport
  • Dinitrobenzenes / pharmacology
  • Marchantia / cytology*
  • Marchantia / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Paclitaxel / pharmacology*
  • Sulfanilamides / pharmacology
  • Tubulin Modulators / pharmacology

Substances

  • Actins
  • Dinitrobenzenes
  • Sulfanilamides
  • Tubulin Modulators
  • oryzalin
  • Paclitaxel