Identification and characterization of genes encoding the nuclear envelope LINC complex in the monocot speciesZea mays

Abstract

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MLKS2 is an ARM domain and F-actin-associated KASH protein that functions in stomatal complex development and meiotic chromosome segregation

“…However, given the global challenges in agriculture and the need for plant-based biorenewable resources [33], it is important to better understand the plant NE and its fundamental components. Recently, progress towards understanding plant LINC biology has expanded beyond Arabidopsis to include Medicago and maize [34,35].…”

“…They were later shown to bind to SUN [41,42] and possess a single near-C-terminal TMD and a C-terminal amino acid sequence of V/P-P-T. These features are diagnostic of plant KASH-like proteins and were collectively used as criteria for identification of ten KASH candidates in maize [35]. From that study, four groups of Maize LINC KASH (MLK) related genes were identified: the AtWIP-like group (MLKP1 -MLKP4), the AtSINE-like group (MLKS1 and MLKS2), the grass-specific group (MLKG1 and MLKG2), and the KASH-associated AtWIT-like group (MLKT1 and MLKT2).…”

“…Maize contains two AtSINE1 homologs, MLKS1 (Zm00001d031134) and MLKS2 (Zm00001d052955). Both of these contain an ARM domain towards their N-terminus [35]. Given the fundamental importance of connecting the nucleus to the cytoplasm, these maize SINE-group KASH genes were predicted to participate in a broad array of processes requiring coordinated actions of the NE with the cytoskeleton.…”

“…In this study, we have undertaken an investigation of a single maize LINC gene, MLKS2, for several reasons. First of all, the MLKS2 protein was detected in CoIP assays using ZmSUN2 antisera with earshoot nuclei [35]. Secondly, MLKS2 is expressed in actively dividing cells, including meiosis-stage tassels, according to transcriptomic studies [46].…”

“…Secondly, MLKS2 is expressed in actively dividing cells, including meiosis-stage tassels, according to transcriptomic studies [46]. Thirdly, MLKS2 orthologs are conserved across land plants, increasing the potential translational impact of the study [35]. Finally, two independent Mu transposon insertion alleles of MLKS2 were available (https://maizegdb.…”