Cortical Region of Diffusively Growing Cells as a Site of Actin–Microtubule Cooperation in Cell Wall Synthesis

Abstract

The cortical cytoskeleton, consisting of microtubules and actin filaments, plays a crucial role in the shaping and synthesis of the cell wall. Microtubules and actin filaments engage in cross-talk in plant cells, and this interplay is mediated by a number of molecular interactors and signaling pathways. This work is focused on the interconnected role of actin and microtubules during cell wall formation. Proteins possibly involved in the cross-talk between microtubules and actin filaments for cell wall assembly control are described, and pathways connecting their function in specialized cells with complex shapes are discussed. These include Arabidopsis trichomes, interdigitating epidermal pavement cells, and xylem vessel cells. Mutual interactions between microtubules and actin filaments in these cells are based on restrictive cooperation, often controlled by overlapping regulatory pathways, rather than direct cross-link between both cytoskeletons. A specialized formation of the cytoskeletal structure, the preprophase band, is further discussed as an example of direct microtubules and actin filaments cross-linking.