PIPContactSite · Roles of maize PIP2 aquaporins in the structural organization of the cell
Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2022-06-01 → 2024-10-31
- EU contribution
- €200,601
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Roles of maize PIP2 aquaporins in the structural organization of the cell
Diffusion of water through cell membranes is facilitated by aquaporins (AQPs). Regulation of AQP activity provides plants with the means to modify rapidly and reversibly water membrane permeability1. Plasma membrane (PM) intrinsic proteins (PIPs) are a subfamily of AQPs located mainly in the PM of plant cells. In the PM some channels are restricted in microdomains whereas others move freely (Li et al, Plant Cell 2011 23: 3780–3797). Additionally, PIPs seem to be in close interaction with other cellular structures such as the actin filaments (Hosy et al, Molecular Plant 2015; 8: 339– 342) and we showed that PM-located PIPs interact with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident VAP27s at ER–PM contact sites (EPCS) (Fox et al, New Phytologist 2020; 228: 973-988). Altogether, the evidence points to the existence of PM-organized PIP channels in interaction with proteins from other cellular structures. However, in-depth investigation integrating all the components (PIP microdomains-EPCS-cytoskeleton) is missing. In this context, we proposed the PIPContactSite project, whose the main objective was to determine whether ZmPIP2s mediate PM interaction with other cellular structures (ER, cytoskeleton) and elucidate the physiological impact of those interactions under stress. Our central hypothesis is that ZmPIP2 interaction with EPCS and the cytoskeleton contributes to an efficient response to stimuli by its participation in the structural organization of the cell. If this is confirmed, it would mean that PIPs are not only playing a role as channels, but also as a scaffold for PM reorganization to initiate cellular response upon stress. The specific objectives of the project included: 1. Comprehensive characterization of the role of ZmPIP2s in the organization of ZmVAP-loaded EPCS. 2. Exploration of ZmPIP2 interactions and roles in the cytoskeleton organization. 3. Highlighting ZmPIP2;5 interactions in EPCS and cytoskeleton.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Plasma membrane (PM) Intrinsic Proteins (PIPs) are aquaporins that facilitate the diffusion of water through cell membranes. By regulating PIP activity, plant cells adjust water permeability rapidly and reversibly. PIP PM lateral diffusion is affected by the cell wall and actin. Also, PM-located PIPs interact with VAP27s at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–PM contact sites (EPCS). Evidence suggests that PIPs get organized in interaction with other cellular structures. However, the functional relevance of these interactions has not been extensively studied. The PIPContactSites project's main goal is to understand whether ZmPIP2s mediate PM interaction with other cellular structures (ER, cytoskeleton) and elucidate the physiological relevance of the contact sites under salt stress conditions. Our hypothesis is that PIP2 interactions on EPCS and with the cytoskeleton facilitate an efficient response to stimuli by participating in the structural organization of the cell. Our strategy integrates cutting-edge technologies for genome edition (CRISPR/Cas9) and real-time monitoring of interactions (split Fluorescence-Activating and absorption Shifting Tag) with advanced microscopy technologies (i.e., confocal super-resolution and Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy). The originality of this project is to consider PIPs as multifunctional proteins: channels and scaffold proteins. The MSCA fellowship, the great intellectual environment, the infrastructure and the administrative support at the LIBST-UCLouvain, the research and project managing experience of Prof. Chaumont, and my background in molecular biology will synergistically promote the success of the project. The host group will benefit from hosting an independent, creative, and highly skilled scientist. And I will gain experience and networking opportunities to shape my long-term objective of becoming a group leader.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN · LOUVAIN LA NEUVECoordinatorBelgium
Links
- View on CORDIS
- DOI: 10.3030/101066810
- https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e5129acf03&appId=PPGMS
- https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e5f46b1608&appId=PPGMS
Data: CORDIS, © European Union