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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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Real-time Analysis of Transcription Factor Binding, Transcription, Translation, and Turnover to Display Global Events During Cellular Activation
Published on: March 7, 2018
Transcription factors on the move
1Plant Gene Expression Center, US Dept of Agriculture--Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), 800 Buchanan Street, 94710, Albany, CA 94170, USA. maizesh@nature.berkeley.edu
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Plant cells can share proteins between cells, a process vital for development. Researchers found that only specific functional proteins move through plasmodesmata, revealing selective intercellular transport mechanisms in plants.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transcription factors are typically confined to their cell of origin.
- Plant cells communicate via plasmodesmata, membrane-lined channels.
- Previous studies suggest macromolecular trafficking through plasmodesmata is possible and regulated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether functional plant proteins can move between cells in their native expression domains.
- To determine the selectivity of intercellular protein movement in plants.
Main Methods:
- Utilized meristem chimeras to study protein movement between plant cells.
- Analyzed the movement of two specific proteins in planta.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that intercellular protein trafficking occurs in plants.
- Observed that only one of the two tested proteins exhibited movement between cells.
- Indicated selectivity in protein movement through plasmodesmata.
Conclusions:
- Functional plant proteins can move between cells, challenging previous assumptions.
- Intercellular protein trafficking is a selective process, not all proteins are mobile.
- This finding opens avenues for studying the mechanisms and regulation of protein movement between plant cells.
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