RIP3 and AtKinesin-13A – A novel interaction linking Rho proteins of plants to microtubules

RIP3 belongs to a group of recently identified proteins, classified as the ICR/RIP family whose members were described to interact with Rho proteins of plants (ROPs). Our in vivo and in vitro data demonstrate that RIP3 is a true ROP effector, interacting specifically with the active form of ROPs. We found that RIP3 has properties and cellular roles different from the previously described RIP family member ICR1/RIP1. We show that RIP3 is localized at microtubules and interacts with the kinesin-13 family member AtKinesin-13A, suggesting a role for RIP3 in microtubule reorganization and a possible function in ROP-regulated polar growth.