ABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Yihao Li is co-first author on ‘ The Ras-related nuclear GTPase RAN1 ensures pollen size and tube growth by maintaining the actin cytoskeleton’ published in JCS. Yihao is an Assistant Professor in the lab of Haiyun Ren at the Center for Biological Science and Technology, Guangdong Zhuhai-Macao Joint Biotech Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, China, investigating the role of the cytoskeleton in regulating plant development and environmental responses.
Yihao Li
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
Unlike animal sperm cells, which move using flagella, plant sperm cells rely on pollen tubes to transport them to the embryo sac for fertilization. Pollen germination and pollen tube growth are therefore crucial for plant reproduction. In our study, we discovered that RAN1, a Ras-related nuclear GTPase, plays an important role in regulating pollen development and pollen tube growth. Additionally, we found that the actin cytoskeleton, which supports cell structure and is involved in cell growth, was reduced and disrupted in ran1 mutants. This disruption was linked to the decreased expression of actin-binding proteins.
Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges in this project was determining whether altered actin dynamics directly impact growth rates or whether slow growth itself affects actin organization. We hypothesized that RAN1 indirectly regulates the expression of actin-binding proteins by controlling the nuclear localization of the transcriptional activator SHB1. To provide further evidence that RAN1 influences the actin cytoskeleton to regulate pollen tube growth, we conducted experiments using actin-depolymerizing and actin-stabilizing drugs. These treatments allowed us to observe their effects on pollen germination and pollen tube growth, helping us better understand the relationship between actin dynamics and growth regulation.
Actin organization visualized by phalloidin staining in wild-type and ran1-1 mutant pollen tubes.
Actin organization visualized by phalloidin staining in wild-type and ran1-1 mutant pollen tubes.
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
Journal of Cell Science is a well-established and respected journal in the field of cell biology. I believe that our work aligns well with the scope and focus of JCS, making it a suitable platform for sharing our findings.
What motivated you to pursue a career in science, and what have been the most interesting moments on the path that led you to where you are now?
I have always been fascinated by plants. Discovering the molecular mechanisms underlying plant development feels like solving intricate puzzles. This sense of curiosity and the joy of uncovering nature's secrets have motivated me to pursue a career in science.
What's next for you?
I have secured a teaching position at Beijing Normal University in Zhuhai, China. Moving forward, I plan to continue my research while also dedicating myself to teaching and mentoring students.
Yihao Li's contact details: No.18, Jinfeng Road, Tangjiawan, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, 519087, P. R. China.
E-mail: [email protected]
