Abstract
In animals, the Rab5 GTPase is known as a molecular switch regulating various aspects of endosomal functions including membrane fusion, dynamics and alteration of lipid compositions. Rab5 fulfill these diverse functions through the interactions with effector molecules. In Arabidopsis thaliana, there are two conventional type of Rab5 members, ARA7 and RHA1. The ara7 rha1 double mutant shows gametophytic lethality, which indicates redundancy in their functions and essentiality. Signals delivered from these plant Rab5s should be also mediated via effector molecules to induce downstream reactions, but no such effectors have been identified so far.
We looked for effectors of Arabidopsis Rab5s by the yeast two-hybrid method using the GTP-fixed ARA7 as a bait to identify the effector candidates that specifically bind ARA7 and RHA1. In this meeting, we will report the biochemical and cytological properties of these effector candidates.
