Andreas Nebenfuehr Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Cellular & Molecular Biology The University of Tennessee http://www.bio.utk.edu/cellbiol/ PhD: Oregon State University 240 Hesler Biology Knoxville, TN 37996-0840 865-974-9201 nebenfuehr@utk.edu

Keywords:
Intracellular motility, myosin, protein targeting, secretion, Golgi apparatus

Research Area:
Cell biology, secretory system, Golgi apparatus, protein targeting, intracellular movements, myosin, plants

Description of Research:
The secretory system of eukaryotes delivers macromolecules from the interior to the surface of the cells. In plants, these macromolecules include plasma membrane proteins and cell wall polysaccharides. The transport processes involved are mediated by a series of membranous organelles, among which the Golgi apparatus plays central processing and sorting roles (Nebenf�hr and Staehelin, 2001). Recent research by myself and others has demonstrated that the Golgi apparatus of plants is a highly dynamic organelle that can move actively through the cell (Nebenführ et al 1999). I have proposed that this movement is not random but directed, and that the Golgi stacks of plant cells can act as "delivery vehicles" for their products (Nebenführ et al, 1999, 2000). Future research will be aimed at addressing the mechanisms that allow Golgi stacks to move through the cytoplasm and become recruited to specific locations in the cell. In addition, model systems are investigated that display specific localization of plasma membrane (PM) or cell wall compounds in order to identify the targeting mechanisms involved. This research involves cytological, biochemical, molecular and genetic approaches and takes advantage of recent advances in biology (genomics) and instrumentation (live-cell imaging). Additional information can be found at my lab web page.

Selected Publications:

• C. Ritzenthaler*, A. Nebenführ*, A. Movafeghi*, C. Stussi-Garaud, L. Behnia, P. Pimpl, L.A. Staehelin, and D.G. Robinson (2002). Reevaluation of the effects of brefeldin A on plant cells using tobacco BY-2 cells expressing Golgi-targeted GFP and COP I antisera. Plant Cell. 14: 237-261.
  


• A. Nebenführ, J.A. Frohlick, L.A. Staehelin (2000). Redistribution of Golgi stack and other organelles during mitosis and cytokinesis in plant cells. Plant Physiology. 124: 135-151.
  


• A. Nebenführ, L.A. Gallagher, T.G. Dunahay, J.A. Frohlick, A.M. Mazurkiewicz, J.B. Meehl, L.A. Staehelin (1999). Stop-and-go movements of plant Golgi stacks are mediated by the acto-myosin system. Plant Physiology. 121: 1127-1141.

Invited Reviews and Book Chapters:

• A. Nebenführ (2003). Intra-Golgi transport: escalator or bucket brigade?. Annual Plant Reviews 9: 76-89.
  


• A. Nebenführ (2002). Vesicle traffic in the endomembrane system: a tale of COPs, Rabs and SNAREs. Current Opinion in Plant Biology 5: 507-512.
  


• A. Nebenführ, C. Ritzenthler, D.G. Robinson (2002). Update on brefeldin A: deciphering an enigmatic inhibitor of secretion. Plant Physiology 130: 1102-1108.