Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Split Green Fluorescent Protein System to Visualize Effectors Delivered from Bacteria During Infection
Published on: May 24, 2018
Profilin and Rop GTPases are localized at infection sites of plant cells
I Schütz1, S Gus-Mayer, E Schmelzer
1Central Microscopy, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne.
Abstract:
We have found 5 profilin cDNAs in cultured parsley cells, representing a small gene family of about 5 members in parsley. Specific antibodies were produced using heterologously expressed parsley profilin as antigen. Western blot analysis revealed the occurrence of similar amounts of profilin in roots and green parts of parsley plants. Immunocytochemical staining of parsley cells infected with the oomycetous plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans clearly revealed that profilin accumulates at the site on the plasma membrane subtending the oomycetous appressorium, where the actin cables focus. We also observed the accumulation of Rop GTPases around this site, which might point to a potential function in signaling to the cytoskeleton.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
Cell Polarization by Rho Proteins
Cell Signaling in Plants
Rab Proteins
Rab proteins switch between a cytosolic, GDP-bound inactive state and a membrane-anchored, GTP-bound active state. By themselves, Rabs show slow rates of GDP/GTP exchange and GTP hydrolysis. Thus, Rab proteins are considered...

