ROPGEF1 is a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that acts as an activator of Rop (Rho of plants) GTPases. It promotes the exchange of GDP for GTP, thus activating the Rop GTPases. ROPGEF1 plays a crucial role in plant development by regulating various cellular processes, including:
Polarized pollen tube growth: ROPGEF1 functions downstream of PRK2 in controlling the polarized growth of pollen tubes by activating ARAC11/ROP1.
Stomatal closure: In conjunction with ROPGEF4, ROPGEF1 acts as a specific regulator of ARAC10/ROP11 function in abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated stomatal closure.
Root hair development: ROPGEF1 may be involved in the Rac/Rop-signaling pathway that controls reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated root hair development.
Gene References Into Functions
ROPGEF1 is essential for AUX1 localization and PIN differential accumulation, highlighting its role in cell polarity and polar auxin transport. This function impacts auxin-mediated plant growth and development. PMID: 28698357
PP2C protein phosphatases protect and stabilize ROPGEF1 from abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated degradation. ROPGEF1 is epistatic to PP2C phosphatases in the ABA signal transduction pathway. Notably, ROPGEF1 plays a critical role in ABA-mediated inhibition of lateral root growth. PMID: 27192441