Long-distance trafficking of macromolecules in the phloem

Ayelet Omid, Dikla Malter, Gadi Peleg, Shmuel Wolf*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The fact that macromolecules such as proteins and mRNAs overcome the symplastic barriers between various tissue domains was first evidenced by the movement of plant viruses. We have recently demonstrated that viral infection disengages the symplastic restriction present between the sieve element-companion cell complex and neighboring cells in tobacco plants. As a result, green fluorescent protein, which was produced in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, could traffic into the sieve tube and travel long distances within the vascular system. In this addendum we discuss the likely existence of a novel plant communication network in which macromolecules also act as long-distance trafficking signals. Plasmodesmata interconnecting sieve elements and companion cells as well as plasmodesmata connecting the sieve tube with neighboring cells may play a central role in establishing this communication network.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)260-262
Number of pages3
JournalPlant Signaling and Behavior
Volume3
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2008

Keywords

  • Companion cells
  • Cucumber mosaic virus
  • Cucumis melo
  • Movement protein
  • Plasmodesmata
  • Sieve-elements

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Long-distance trafficking of macromolecules in the phloem'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this