The Potential Role of SnRK1 Protein Kinases in the Regulation of Cell Division in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

It is known that the sucrose nonfermenting-1 (SNF1)-related protein kinase (SnRK1) subfamily participates in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and energy balance. These enzymes are multifunctional and can participate in many other important cellular processes. The role of the SnRK1 protein kinases (KIN10 and KIN11) in the regulation of cell division in Arabidopsis thaliana has been studied in this work. The KIN10 and KIN11 gene knockout lines of A. thaliana were used for this purpose (http://arabidopsis.info/). A low mitotic index was recorded in cells of these mutant lines and a decreased expression level was shown in the cell proliferation markers—the CYCB1;1 gene (B1 type cyclin) and the plant homolog BRCA1 (Breast Cancer Suppressor Protein). The significantly lower mitotic index and expression level of CYCB1;1 and BRCA1 were observed in the mutants grown in the conditions of energy deficiency. The higher expression of CYCB1;1/BRCA1 and KIN10/KIN11 genes was also recorded in the suspension culture of A. thaliana compared with intact sprouts. These data may confirm a possible role of the KIN10/KIN11 protein kinases in the regulation of cell proliferative activity.