Transport of macromolecules through plasmodesmata and the phloem |
| |
Authors: | Xiong-Yan Chen Jae-Yean Kim |
| |
Institution: | Department of Molecular Biology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea; Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea; Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea; Environmental Biotechnology National Core Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea |
| |
Abstract: | Cell-to-cell communication is a pivotal process in the determination of cell fate during development and physiological adaptation in response to environmental stimuli. The intercellular trafficking of proteins and RNAs has emerged as a novel mechanism of cell-to-cell signaling in plants. As a strategy for efficient intercellular communication, plants have evolved plant-specific symplasmic communication networks via plasmodesmata (PD) and the phloem. PD are symplasmic channels connecting the cytoplasm of neighboring cells and are responsible for the local exchange of metabolites and signaling molecules. The phloem is the sieve-tube system that allows rapid, long-distance translocation of molecules. Together, PD and phloem conduits have been shown to allow the transport of proteins and RNAs in non-selective or/and selective modes. This review describes the current understanding of macromolecule trafficking through PD and the phloem. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|