Molecular Studies of the Medicago Truncatula MtAnn3 Gene Involved in Root Hair Deformation

The study focused on the MtAnn3 gene in Medicago truncatula, which was cloned and analyzed for its role in root hair deformation. Unlike typical annexins, MtAnn3 has only one repeat in its core domain. It was found to bind to cell membranes and, when overexpressed, altered root hair growth polarity in a Ca2+-free medium. Cytokinin was shown to upregulate MtAnn3 expression. Although MtAnn3 transcripts were present in young nodules, the expression was not limited to nodules and was also high in roots, stems, and leaves.