Localization of the functional p34^cdc2 homolog of maize in root tip and stomatal complex cells: Association with predicted division sites

We have used an antibody against the functional homolog of the cdc2 kinase of maize to localize the p34^cdc2 protein within dividing cells of the root apex and the stomatal complex of leaf epidermis. The microtubule cytoskeletal structure of plant cells was visualized concomitantly with a monoclonal antibody specific for α-tubulin. We found that the cdc2 protein is localized mainly to the nucleus in plant cells at interphase and early prophase. This finding contrasts markedly with the predominantly cytoplasmic staining obtained using antibody to the PSTAIRE motif, which is common to cdc2 and numerous cdc2-like proteins. In a subpopulation of root cells at early prophase, the p34^cdc2 protein is also distributed in a band bisecting the nucleus. Double labeling with the maize p34^cdc2Zm antibody and tubulin antibody revealed that this band colocalizes with the preprophase band (PPB) of microtubules, which predicts the future division site. Root cells in which microtubules had been disrupted with oryzalin did not contain this band of p34^cdc2 protein, suggesting that formation of the microtubule PPB is necessary for localization of the p34^cdc2 kinase to the plane of the PPB. The p34^cdc2 protein is also localized to the nucleus and PPB in cells that give rise to the stomatal complex, including those cells preparing for the highly asymmetrical divisions that produce subsidiary cells. Association of the p34^cdc2 protein with the PPB suggests that the cdc2 kinase has a role in establishing the division site of plant cells and, therefore, a role in plant morphogenesis.