Actin and microtubule cytoskeleton interactions

Abstract

Plant cytoskeleton consists of two major networks of protein polymers, actin microfilaments (AFs) and microtubules (MTs). These networks perform numerous functions that are essential for cell division and for maintaining the integrity of cytoplasm required for intracellular transport and cell shape. Besides the more or less indirect cooperation between AFs and MTs, their direct interactions through specific physically interacting proteins has been well described in yeast, nematodes, insect and animal cells. Recently, promising candidates for corresponding homologous proteins have been identified in plants, although there is still lack of functional evidence for these interactions. Here we summarize recent advances in our knowledge about the candidate proteins or protein complexes that interact with both AFs and MTs and their role in fundamental cellular and developmental processes.