New insights into plant cell organelle and molecule movement

Phys.org | February 04, 2019

Michigan State University scientists have identified a new protein, called TGNap1 (TGN associated protein 1), that they found at a poorly understood plant cell organelle, the Trans-Golgi Network (TGN). The TGN is at the intersection of pathways that control molecule traffic into (endocytosis) and out of (exocytosis) the plant cell. The TGN and its network of supporting expand iconproteins are essential to proper metabolism many organisms. But their function remains a mystery to scientists.
We do know that the TGN contributes to building up expand iconplant biomass, which is important for plant-based products, like fuels, food, and animal feed. In humans, TGN defects cause neurodegenerative diseases and hereditary neuromuscular disorders. The new study provides insights into how the TGNap1 protein supports the TGN in structure and function. It then describes how the protein assists with TGN movement, through an interaction with microtubules, which impacts the TGN's biogenesis. The research is published in Nature Communications.

Spotlight

The world is on the cusp of an industrial revolution fueled by biotechnology and biomanufacturing. Emerging biological technologies are and will continue to transform the foundation of our physical world – everything from clothing, to plastics, to fuels, to concrete.

Spotlight

The world is on the cusp of an industrial revolution fueled by biotechnology and biomanufacturing. Emerging biological technologies are and will continue to transform the foundation of our physical world – everything from clothing, to plastics, to fuels, to concrete.

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