In collaboration with Katharina Bürstenbinder\’s team at IPB Halle, we used reverse genetics to characterize IQ67 DOMAIN 9 (IQD9) and KINESIN LIGHT CHAIN-RELATED 1 (KLCR1) as two microtubule (MT) associated proteins that guide cellulose distribution during seed mucilage biosynthesis. IQD9 physically interacts with KLCR1, and mutations in IQD9 as well as in KLCR1 lead to compact mucilage capsules with aberrant cellulose distribution. Resembling previously described trm4 seeds, our study of these Arabidopsis mutants provides the first direct evidence that members of the IQD, KLCR and TRM families have overlapping functions in cell wall deposition.
Yang B, Stamm G, Bürstenbinder K*, Voiniciuc C*. Microtubule-associated IQD9 guides cellulose synthase velocity to shape seed mucilage. bioRxiv: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.12.11.472226
This study also marks two milestones for Dr. Voiniciuc: the publication of the 25th peer-reviewed article and over 1000 citations in Google Scholar.
