mRNA Localization in Rice Endosperm Cells Requires RBP-P
Research, The Plant Cell, The Plant Cell: In a NutshellTian et al. study the developing rice endosperm. https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.18.00321
By Li Tian and Thomas W. Okita
Background: Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are transported to specific subcellular compartments for localized processing or translation, facilitating protein targeting and assembly of…
Power Play in the TOR Growth Circuit
Research, The Plant Cell, The Plant Cell: In a NutshellMubeen et al. investigate cellular homeostasis related to the TOR kinase complex. Plant Cell https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.18.00159
By Umarah Mubeen and Patrick Giavalisco, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Golm, Germany.
Background: Growth and cellular development are controlled…
A Positive Regulatory Loop for Systemic Acquired Resistance
Blog, The Plant Cell, The Plant Cell: In a NutshellWang et al. find a positive feedback loop consisting of MPK3/6, WRKY33, ALD1, and pipecolic acid regulates local immune amplification contributing to systemic acquired resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant Cell https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.18.00547
By Yiming Wang, Jürgen Zeier, and Kenichi Tsuda…
Exploring Pollen Patterns to Learn How Cells Create Distinct Domains
Research, The Plant Cell, The Plant Cell: In a NutshellLee et al. identify a protein involved in pollen aperture development and the formation of distinct membrane domains in microspores. https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.18.00442
By Byung Ha Lee and Anna Dobritsa
Background: Pollen grains are famous for their ability to develop various intricate patterns…
APE2 Acts in DNA Demethylation
Research, The Plant Cell, The Plant Cell: In a NutshellLi et al. demonstrate that APE2 and the DNA 3′ phosphatase ZDP play overlapping roles in active DNA demethylation in Arabidopsis thaliana. The Plant Cell (2018).
By Jinchao Li and Weiqiang Qian
Background: DNA methylation, the addition of a methyl group to the C-5 position of cytosine, is a…
SUMO Aids Rapid Regulation of Hormone Responses
Research, The Plant Cell, The Plant Cell: In a NutshellSrivastava et al. identify a mechanism for rapid regulation of jasmonic acid signaling. Plant Cell https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.18.00036
Background: The sessile nature of plants dictates that growth must be integrated with changes in the natural environment. Modulation of hormone signalling pathways…
Chloroplasts can Import Folded Proteins
Research, The Plant Cell, The Plant Cell: In a NutshellGanesan et al. investigate protein import into chloroplasts The Plant Cell (2018).
By Iniyan Ganesan and Steven Theg
Background: Chloroplasts are the green compartment in plant cells that carry out photosynthesis. Most plant proteins are made in the cytoplasm and many need to cross different…
Programmed Cell Death in the Root Cap
Research, The Plant Cell, The Plant Cell: In a NutshellHuysmans et al. identify cell death regulatory proteins in root cap cells. Plant Cell https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.18.00293
Background: Some plants, such as giant sequoia trees, can grow into the “Largest Living Things on Earth.” Ironically, most of a tree’s biomass is actually not alive but…
PGI1 is a Determinant of Seed Yield
Research, The Plant Cell, The Plant Cell: In a NutshellBahaji et al. identify an important player determining seed yield in Arabidopsis. https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.18.00312
Background: Oilseeds are major sources of calories for human consumption and have a significant agricultural and industrial value. Seed number and weight are the two main components…