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Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Author Spotlight: Microscopic Analysis of Protein Localization at Plasmodesmata in Plants
Published on: November 1, 2024
Microtubule-associated protein PlWDL2 positively promotes stem strength in herbaceous peony
Ziao Hu1, Yi Qian1, Daqiu Zhao1
1College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
Main Conclusion:
Silencing the microtubule-associated protein PlWDL2 in herbaceous peony led to a decrease in stem strength by affecting xylem development. Stem strength is an important factor affecting the quality of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) cut flowers. To investigate the effect of microtubule-associated proteins on P. lactiflora stem strength, we identified PlWDL2, a WAVE-DAMPENED 2/WAVE-DAMPENED 2-LIKE (WVD2/WDL) family gene encoding a 340 amino acid protein with conserved KLEEK motif. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that PlWDL2 expression was progressively upregulated during P. lactiflora stem development. In vitro co-sedimentation assays confirmed microtubule-binding capacity of PlWDL2 and its intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) though IDRs exhibited attenuated binding correlated with shorter hydrophobic patches. Additionally, the PlWDL2-silenced P. lactiflora exhibited decreased stem strength. Further microstructure observation of the stems showed that xylem thickness, number of layers, and the proportion of xylem area and xylem cell area in the PlWDL2-silenced P. lactiflora were significantly reduced. These findings demonstrate that the microtubule-associated protein PlWDL2 enhances stem strength in P. lactiflora by promoting xylem development. This study lays a foundation for future studies on the mechanism of P. lactiflora stem development from the relationship between microtubule-associated proteins and microtubules.
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