Phase separation of the poplar microtubule-associated protein PagPCaP1a aids microtubule depolymerization in response to high salt.

ABSTRACT: Woody plants must acclimate to environmental stresses, including soil salinity, for proper growth and development. Microtubule reorganization supports plant survival in saline-rich soils, but the underlying molecular mechanism in tree species remains unclear. In this study, we identified a salinity stress response mechanism in hybrid poplar seedlings. This mechanism involves regulation of microtubule dynamics by the microtubule-associated protein PLASMA MEMBRANE-ASSOCIATED CATION BINDING PROTEIN 1a (PagPCaP1a). Salinity stress induced PagPCaP1a expression and phase separation of PagPCaP1a protein to form PagPCaP1a condensates in a calcium-dependent manner. The formation of PagPCaP1a condensates was partially driven by the VEEEKK motif within the carboxyl terminus of the protein, whi

SUBMITTER: Lian N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11817996 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature