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Actin-dependent fluid-phase endocytosis in inner cortex cells of maize root apices

F Baluska1, J Samaj, A Hlavacka

  • 1Institute of Cellular and Molecular Botany, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Kirschallee 1, D-53115 Bonn, Germany. baluska@uni-bonn.de

Journal of Experimental Botany
|January 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Maize root cells internalize fluid via endocytosis using actin and myosin VIII. This process occurs at specific membrane domains and is crucial for plant cell function.

Area of Science:

  • Plant Cell Biology
  • Molecular Plant Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Fluid-phase endocytosis is a vital cellular process for nutrient uptake and transport.
  • Lucifer Yellow (LY) is a common fluorescent marker for studying fluid-phase endocytosis.
  • The mechanisms of endocytosis in plant root cells are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism of fluid-phase endocytosis in maize root apices.
  • To identify the cellular components involved in LY internalization.
  • To explore the role of the cytoskeleton in this process.

Main Methods:

  • Light and electron microscopy were used to visualize LY internalization.
  • Treatment with F-actin depolymerizing (latrunculin B) and stabilizing (jasplakinolide) drugs.
  • Inhibition studies using 2,3 butanedione monoxime, a myosin ATPase inhibitor.
  • Assessment of microtubule disruption effects on endocytosis.

Main Results:

  • Lucifer Yellow was internalized into tubulo-vesicular compartments and vacuoles in maize root transition zone cells.
  • Actomyosin-enriched pit-fields and plasmodesmata were identified as sites of internalization.
  • F-actin disruption blocked LY uptake, while stabilization had no effect.
  • Myosin VIII and myosin ATPase inhibition partially reduced LY uptake.
  • Microtubule disruption did not affect fluid-phase endocytosis.

Conclusions:

  • Maize root apices utilize a specialized form of fluid-phase endocytosis.
  • Actin and myosin VIII at specific membrane domains are essential for this process.
  • This tissue-specific endocytosis likely plays a significant physiological role in maize root function.

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