SNAREs-molecular governors in signalling and development

Grefen, C. and Blatt, M.R. (2008) SNAREs-molecular governors in signalling and development. Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 11(6), pp. 600-609. (doi: 10.1016/j.pbi.2008.08.006)

Abstract

SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor protein attachment protein receptor) proteins drive membrane fusion and contribute to membrane and protein targeting and delivery in all eukaryotic cells. SNAREs are essential to the mechanics of cell growth and development, and they facilitate a number of homeostatic and evoked responses in plants, from hormone signalling to pathogen defence. Additionally, there is now unambiguous evidence that SNAREs play roles in anchoring other membrane proteins and in facilitating ion channel gating through direct, physical interaction with channel proteins. What is the physiological significance of these additional features of plant SNAREs? We explore possible interpretations and suggest functions as scaffolds for effective signal transmission between proteins and, by analogy with a mechanical device invented by James Watt, as molecular governors to coordinate solute transport with cell expansion and growth

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Blatt, Professor Michael and Grefen, Dr Christopher
• Authors: Grefen, C., and Blatt, M.R.
• Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH345 Biochemistry; Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
• Journal Name: Current Opinion in Plant Biology
• ISSN: 1369-5266