FEI1 Antibody

Molecular Characterization of FEI1

FEI1 (At1g31420) is an LRR-RLK belonging to subfamily XIII, distinct from other cell wall–associated kinases like THE1 or WAKs . Key features include:

Notably, a kinase-inactive FEI1 variant (K334R) retains partial functionality, successfully complementing fei1 fei2 double mutants in root expansion assays .

Functional Role in Cell Wall Regulation

FEI1 mediates a novel signaling pathway influencing cell wall biosynthesis and anisotropic cell expansion:

• Genetic interactions: Synergizes with prc1 (cellulose synthase mutant) and cob (glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein mutant) .

• Ethylene biosynthesis link: Physically interacts with ACC synthase, a key enzyme in ethylene precursor synthesis. fei1 fei2 mutants exhibit defects suppressed by ACC synthase inhibition .

• Stress response: Part of the FLA4-FEI pathway that integrates cell wall integrity signals during biotic/abiotic stress .

Research Applications of FEI1 Antibody

The antibody has been instrumental in:

• Localization studies: Confirming plasma membrane localization via immunofluorescence and microsome fractionation .

• Kinase activity assays: Detecting autophosphorylation and substrate phosphorylation in vitro .

• Genetic interaction mapping: Analyzing FEI1’s role in cellulose biosynthesis mutants (e.g., prc1, cob) .

Key Experimental Findings

Technical Considerations

• Antibody validation: FEI1-myc fusion proteins were used to verify antibody specificity in Western blotting and subcellular localization .

• Functional redundancy: Studies require simultaneous disruption of FEI1 and FEI2 for phenotypic analysis .