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Detection of Protein Interactions in Plant using a Gateway Compatible Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation BiFC System
Published on: September 16, 2011
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Extensive signal integration by the phytohormone protein network.
Melina Altmann1, Stefan Altmann1, Patricia A Rodriguez1
1Institute of Network Biology (INET), Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich-Neuherberg, Germany.
Nature
|July 3, 2020
Summary
This study maps the Arabidopsis phytohormone signaling network, revealing extensive protein interactions that integrate hormone pathways. Many signaling proteins function in multiple pathways, highlighting complex crosstalk and pleiotropic effects.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Plant hormones are crucial for development, stress response, and yield.
- Existing knowledge focuses on core signaling pathways but lacks understanding of inter-pathway integration.
- Transcriptional data suggests hormone pathways are largely exclusive, contrasting with observed genetic phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a systems-level map of the Arabidopsis phytohormone signaling network.
- To identify protein-protein interactions (PPIs) that mediate signal integration between different hormone pathways.
- To explore novel functions and crosstalk points within the phytohormone network.
Main Methods:
- Experimental generation of a systems-level map of over 2,000 binary PPIs in Arabidopsis.
- Identification of pathway communities and potential crosstalk points within the network.
- Functional validation of candidate interactions across seven hormone pathways.
Main Results:
- A highly interconnected network revealing pathway communities and hundreds of novel crosstalk points.
- Functional validation confirmed new roles for 74% of tested proteins in 84% of candidate interactions.
- A majority of signaling proteins were found to be pleiotropic, functioning in multiple hormone pathways.
- Hundreds of small-molecule-dependent interactions involving hormone receptors were identified, suggesting noncanonical signaling.
Conclusions:
- Protein-protein interactions are central to integrating information across different plant hormone signaling pathways.
- A significant portion of plant hormone signaling proteins exhibit pleiotropy, functioning in multiple pathways.
- Non-transcriptional and noncanonical receptor signaling mediated by small molecules is more prevalent than previously recognized.
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