Pod shattering in plants is controlled by a complex genetic network. A nuclear protein called ALC-INTERACTING PROTEIN1 (ACI1) was identified, which interacts with ALC, a key protein involved in cell separation during fruit opening. ACI1 is found in the plant's vascular system and in the fruit's mesocarp cells. Both ACI1 and ALC are present in the same plant regions, suggesting they work together. However, reducing ACI1 expression did not cause any visible changes in plants, indicating it may have redundant functions. This study suggests that ALC and ACI1 likely collaborate to regulate cell separation during fruit dehiscence in Arabidopsis.