ACT2 — Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary

AT3G18780, also known as ACT2, encodes an actin protein that is a structural constituent of the cytoskeleton and exhibits actin, profilin, phospholipid, and F-actin binding activities, along with protein phosphatase and hydrolase activities. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ACT2 is associated with vegetative growth, light stress response, and numerous cellular processes including actin filament stabilization, cytoplasmic streaming, cell polarization, and regulation of nucleus organization. The gene has been linked to a wide range of traits such as seed morphology, plant fresh weight, root epidermal cell length, leaf area, water stress response, nitrogen sensitivity, shoot growth angle, seed yield, root hair length, and aphid response. ACT2 localizes to the actin cytoskeleton, Arp2/3 protein complex, Golgi membrane, and endosome. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to root hair development, cell expansion, and stress tolerance.