Arabidopsis tubulin folding cofactor B interacts with α-tubulin in vivo

Abstract

Microtubule biogenesis requires αβ tubulin dimers that are generated from α and β tubulin following post-translational modification by several tubulin folding cofactors (TFCs). Here we report the isolation and characterization of Arabidopsis TFCB (AtTFCB). AtTFCB is expressed in all organs of Arabidopsis. The subcellular localization of AtTFCB is mainly cytosolic. AtTFCB-overexpressing cells have fewer microtubules compared with the controls. Multimode fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy reveals a direct physical interaction of AtTFCB with α tubulin in living plant cells. We conclude that AtTFCB interacts with α tubulin in vivo and its overexpression reduces the number of microtubules. © The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved.