High impact information on FRA1

• The FRA1 gene was cloned and found to encode a kinesin-like protein with an N-terminal microtubule binding motor domain [1].
• Based on these findings, we propose that the FRA1 kinesin-like protein is involved in the microtubule control of cellulose microfibril order [1].
• We have used fibers in the inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis to study secondary wall deposition and cell wall strength and found a fragile fiber (fra1) mutant with a dramatic reduction in the mechanical strength of fibers [1].
• An apparent alteration was found in the orientation of cellulose microfibrils in fra1 fiber walls, indicating that the reduced mechanical strength of fra1 fibers probably was attributable to altered cellulose microfibril deposition [1].
• The fra1 mutation did not cause any defects in cell wall composition, secondary wall thickening, or cortical microtubule organization in fiber cells [1].

References