Abstract
Stomata are specialized epidermal structures composed of two guard cells and are involved in gas and water exchange between plants and the environment and pathogen entry into the plant interior. Stomatal movement is a response to many internal and external stimuli to increase adaptability to environmental change. The cytoskeleton, including actin filaments and microtubules, is highly dynamic in guard cells during stomatal movement, and the destruction of the cytoskeleton interferes with stomatal movement. In this review, we discuss recent progress on the organization and dynamics of actin filaments and microtubule network in guard cells, and we pay special attention to cytoskeletal-associated protein-mediated cytoskeletal rearrangements during stomatal movement. We also discuss the potential mechanisms of stomatal movement in relation to the cytoskeleton and attempt to provide a foundation for further research in this field.
Highlights
The plant leaf epidermis and cuticle protect water against transpiration in relatively dry terrestrial environments and limit gas exchange with the external environment for photosynthesis
Emerging studies provide evidences indicating that the cytoskeleton, including actin filaments (AFs) and microtubules (MTs), is considered as an important factor involved in stomatal movement, possibly via affecting turgor pressure in guard cells (Zhang and Fan, 2009; Khanna et al, 2014)
Based on the knowledge available, we propose a model of current progress about AF and MT dynamics that are regulated by different functional Actin-binding proteins (ABPs) and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) during stomatal movement
Summary
The plant leaf epidermis and cuticle protect water against transpiration in relatively dry terrestrial environments and limit gas exchange with the external environment for photosynthesis. Plants have evolved stomata on the leaf and stem epidermis; these structures consist of two kidney-shaped or dumbbell-shaped guard cells and are responsible for 95% gas exchange between the external atmosphere and the interior of the leaf (Keenan et al, 2013; Lawson and Matthews, 2020). A series of ion channels and transporters and their upstream regulators fine-tuning osmotic pressure in guard cells have been identified (Kollist et al, 2014; Lawson and Matthews, 2020). The activities of these channels and transporters depend on voltage sensing, ligand binding, or protein posttranslational modification.
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