Abstract
In all eucaryotic cells, the post-Golgi organelles, such as the trans-Golgi network (TGN), endosomes, vacuoles and the plasma membrane, are connected by vesicular traffic. This complex network plays a critical role in several higher-order functions. The TGN is one of the most important organelles for protein transport at the post-Golgi network, and functions as a sorting spot that directs cargo proteins to a variety of post-Golgi compartments. However, the TGN of plant cells has not been well understood yet. In order to elucidate the structure, function and dynamics of plant TGN, we focused on SYP43, the ortholog of Tlg2/syntaxin16 which is localized to the TGN in yeast and mammalian cells, as a TGN marker. We established the transgenic plants expressing GFP-SYP43 under the control of the native promoter. The observation by confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that there are two types of the TGN; one mainly locates beside the Golgi apparatus and behaves together, and the other is independent from the Golgi apparatus. We will also discuss dynamic movement between TGN and the Golgi apparatus.
