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Research Focus 1: Signal Integration at the Microtubule Cytoskeleton

Calcium signaling is essential for regulating plant growth and cellular responses through transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming, as well as by affecting the cell wall, plasma membrane, and microtubules. Our research focuses on how calcium sensors like CaM and CaM-interacting IQD proteins integrate calcium signaling to control microtubule organization, cell shape, and organ morphology. IQD proteins were identified as novel MAPs that help regulate growth and morphogenesis, particularly during stress responses. We have shown that these proteins function across various subcellular domains, influencing cellular signaling and cytoskeletal organization. Using a variety of techniques, we identified key roles for IQDs in regulating leaf cell shape, division plane orientation, and root growth. Our work suggests that IQDs act as signaling platforms, integrating calcium, MAP kinase, and ROP-GTPase pathways. We also discovered that IQD loss-of-function mutants exhibit defects in mechanical stress responses, highlighting their role in adapting plant growth to environmental conditions. These findings open new avenues for exploring how manipulating microtubule dynamics and cell wall composition can enhance plant stress resistance and growth regulation.