Structural Basis for Plant Plasma Membrane Protein Dynamics and Organization into Functional Nanodomains

Plasma Membrane is the primary structure for adjusting to ever changing conditions. PM sub-compartmentalization in domains is thought to orchestrate signalling cascades. Yet, mechanisms governing membrane organization are mostly uncharacterized. The plant-specific proteins REMORINs are factors regulating hormonal crosstalk and host invasion. REMs are the best-characterized PM nanodomain markers targeted to the PM via an uncharacterized moiety called REMORIN C-terminal Anchor. By coupling biophysical methods, super-resolution microscopy and physiology, we decipher an original mechanism regulating the dynamic and organization of nanodomains. We showed that PM targeting is independent of the COP II-dependent secretory pathway and mediated by PI4P and sterol. REM-CA is an unconventional lipid-binding motif that confers nanodomain organization. Analyses of REM-CA mutants by single particle tracking demonstrate that mobility and supramolecular organization are critical for immunity. This study provides a unique mechanistic insight into how the tight control of spatial segregation is critical in the definition of PM domain necessary to support biological function.