Kinases, careers and coffee

Arabidopsis CRINKLY 4 (ACR4) is a receptor-like kinase known for its roles in seed coat and leaf epidermal development, root meristem maintenance and lateral root initiation. In addition to being PM-localised, ACR4 is enriched at plasmodesmata. Furthermore, in maize endosperm, CR4 preferentially localises to plasmodesmata between aleuronal cells, leading to the hypothesis that ACR4 regulates symplastic movement of molecules via plasmodesmata to establish tissue patterning.

Although several ACR4 interaction partners have been identified, including CLV1 and the CIK family of co-receptors, as well as downstream phosphorylation targets such as PP2A-3 and WOX5, the nature of ACR4 signalling complexes and any further downstream targets remain to be elucidated. Likewise, despite possessing a putative ligand binding pocket, no ligand has been shown to bind directly to ACR4. Furthermore, whether ACR4 actually regulates plasmodesmata function, or if plasmodesmata are rather acting as microdomains to facilitate intercellular signal transduction via ACR4 and its associated signalling complexes, remains to be seen.

We aim to identify ACR4’s interaction partners and downstream targets using proximity labelling, Y2H screens and co-immunoprecipitation. In addition, we will use immunogold labelling and electron microscopy to pinpoint the localisation of ACR4 within plasmodesmata. In characterising ACR4’s interactome and precise localisation, we hope to gain functional insights into ACR4’s role at the plasmodesmata.

This poster was presented at the 6th Plants and People Conference at the Max Plant Institute for Molecular Plant Science, Potsdam, Germany, where the theme was 'Exploring Plan(t)s.' As such, it invites conversations about science-adjacent topics, like career paths within or outside academia, parenting in academia and science communication.