Maize (Zea mays L.) Nucleoskeletal Proteins Regulate Nuclear Envelope Remodeling and Function in Stomatal Complex...

Area of Science:

• Plant Cell Biology
• Molecular Plant Science
• Nuclear Architecture

Background:

• The nuclear envelope (NE) separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm in eukaryotes.
• The Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex connects nuclear and cytoplasmic components across the NE.
• LINC complexes play roles in plant nuclear organization, nuclear shape, and cell division.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize maize nucleoskeletal proteins NCH1, NCH2, and MKAKU41 and their roles in nuclear organization.
• To investigate the function of these proteins in relation to the LINC complex and cytoskeleton.

Main Methods:

• Heterologous expression of fluorescent protein fusions in *Nicotiana benthamiana* to determine protein localization.
• Overexpression studies to observe effects on nuclear periphery and architecture.
• Genetic analysis in maize to assess shared functions with LINC components.

Main Results:

• NCH1, NCH2, and MKAKU41 localize to the nuclear periphery.
• MKAKU41 overexpression induces nuclear invaginations involving NE membranes and the ER.
• Changes in LINC connections and actin cytoskeleton affect the severity of these invaginations.
• MKAKU41 shares genetic functions with LINC components in maize, influencing nuclear shape, stomatal development, and pollen viability.

Conclusions:

• NCH1, NCH2, and MKAKU41 are LINC-associated plant nucleoskeletal proteins.
• These proteins interact with NE components and influence nuclear architecture.
• Their functions are critical for nuclear organization and plant development.