Secondary cell wall patterning during xylem differentiation

Xylem cell differentiation involves temporal and spatial regulation of secondary cell wall deposition. The cortical microtubules are known to regulate the spatial pattern of the secondary cell wall by orientating cellulose deposition. However, it is largely unknown how the microtubule arrangement is regulated during secondary wall formation. Recent findings of novel plant microtubule-associated proteins in developing xylem vessels shed new light on the regulation mechanism of the microtubule arrangement leading to secondary wall patterning. In addition, in vitro culture systems allow the dynamics of microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins during secondary cell wall formation to be followed. Therefore, this review focuses on novel aspects of microtubule dynamics leading to secondary cell wall patterning with a focus on microtubule-associated proteins.