The functions of Rab GTPases in plant membrane traffic

Curr Opin Plant Biol. 2008 Dec;11(6):610-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pbi.2008.09.010. Epub 2008 Oct 24.

Abstract

Rab GTPases are important determinants of membrane identity and membrane targeting. Higher plants have evolved a unique set of Rab GTPases that presumably reflects the specific demands of plant cell trafficking. In recent years, significant progress has been made in identifying Rab GTPases involved in endosome organisation, cytokinesis and in post-Golgi traffic to the plasma membrane and vacuoles. These include members of the Rab-F1, Rab-F2, Rab-A1, Rab-A2 and Rab-A4 subclasses. Some important regulators or effectors have also been identified for Rab-F, Rab-A1 and Rab-A4 proteins. However, uncertainties remain about the trafficking pathways that connect the compartments in the trans-Golgi/prevacuolar/endosomal system and there is still little or no insight into the functions of several major subclasses within the Rab GTPase family.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport
  • Cell Membrane / enzymology*
  • Cytokinesis
  • Plant Cells*
  • Plants / enzymology*
  • Vacuoles / enzymology
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / classification
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins