The EXO70H1 antibody is a research tool used to study the EXO70H1 protein, a subunit of the exocyst complex. The exocyst complex is crucial for exocytosis, a cellular process involving the transport and fusion of vesicles with the plasma membrane . This process is essential for various cellular functions, including cell growth, cell division, and cell signaling . Specifically, EXO70H1 is one of the EXO70 paralogs found in Arabidopsis thaliana (mouse-ear cress) .
EXO70 proteins, including EXO70H1, play a role in plant defense mechanisms . For instance, research indicates that Xanthomonas campestris manipulates the plant exocyst complex to bypass host defense responses . The bacterial effector XopP interacts with EXO70B1, inhibiting the exocytosis of immunity-promoting molecules . Furthermore, studies suggest that EXO70A1 has a general background role in plant defense, influencing the biogenesis and maintenance of the plasma membrane and cell wall .
EXO70 paralogs, including EXO70H1, are involved in plant biotic stress responses . Studies suggest a complementarity of responses between root hair growth and general defense . For example, the triple mutant exo70A1exo70B2exo70H1 shows a prominent reduction in root hair growth but does not exhibit the highest sensitivity toward bacteria, highlighting the complexity of relationships among EXO70 isoforms .
EXO70 proteins interact with other proteins involved in plant defense. EXO70B1, for example, is guarded by the NLR immune receptor TN2 in Arabidopsis . The interaction between AtEXO70B1 and RIN4, a regulator in defense responses, has also been reported .
Small molecules like Endosidin2 (ES2) target the EXO70 subunit of the exocyst complex, leading to the inhibition of exocytosis . ES2 binds to EXO70, affecting its function . Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assays confirm the interaction between ES2 and EXO70A1, showing that ES2 protects EXO70A1 from protease degradation .
While EXO70 proteins are primarily studied in plant biology, research into chemical genetics has identified compounds with anti-SARS-CoV activity . These compounds target various proteins, including the SARS-CoV main protease, helicase, and spike protein . Although seemingly unrelated, this highlights the broad utility of chemical genetics in identifying potential therapeutic targets .