POM2/CSI1 connects cellulose biosynthesis, cytoskeletal dynamics and phyllotaxis in Arabidopsis

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The glucose-based polymer cellulose constitutes the main load-bearing component of plant cell walls, and presents an important source for many industrial applications, including raw material for the textile- and paper industries. Cellulose appears to be synthesized at the cell surface by heteromeric cellulose synthase (CESA) complexes. These complexes are guided by cortical microtubules by an, as of yet, unknown mechanism. We have identified a novel component of the CESA complex, referred to as POM2/CSI1. Mutations in the corresponding gene cause aberrant cellulose deposition, and compromise the organization of microtubules. Interestingly, pom2/csi1 mutants display disturbed phyllotactic patterning, a process that recently has been shown to be dependent on the orientation of the microtubules. We hypothesize that the POM2/CSI1 provides an important link between the microtubules and cellulose deposition during both cell expansion and development of the shoot apical meristem. We will investigate these relationships using a combination of high definition microscopy, interactome analyses, and advanced quantitative growth assessments.