RPK2 functions in diverged CLE signaling.
1Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan. sawa@sci.kumamoto-u.ac.jp
Plant Signaling & Behavior
|February 9, 2011
Summary
Researchers identified RPK2 gene homologs in moss and liverwort, suggesting its ancient role in plant development. This finding expands our understanding of shoot apical meristem regulation beyond higher plants.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The shoot apical meristem (SAM) is crucial for plant body development.
- SAM homeostasis is regulated by the CLV3 peptide hormone and its receptors (CLV1, CLV2-SOL2/CRN, RPK2).
- CLV1 homologs are widespread, but CLV2 and SOL2/CRN are found only in higher plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary presence of RPK2 homologs in non-vascular plants.
- To understand the broader role of RPK2 in plant evolution beyond SAM homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of plant genomes.
- Comparative genomics to identify RPK2 homologs.
Main Results:
- RPK2 homologs were identified in the moss Physcomitrella patens and the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha.
- This indicates RPK2 function predates the evolution of CLV2-SOL2/CRN.
Conclusions:
- RPK2 plays a conserved role in plant development, potentially regulating various physiological events throughout plant evolution.
- CLV1 and RPK2 likely have broader functions than previously understood, extending beyond SAM homeostasis in higher plants.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
01:25Cell Signaling in Plants
Plant cells communicate to coordinate their cycle of growth, flowering and fruiting, and activities in roots, shoots, and leaves in response to the changing environmental conditions. Plant signaling is distinct from animal signaling. Plants primarily utilize enzyme-linked receptors, whereas the largest class of cell-surface receptors in animals are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Unlike animals, receptor tyrosine kinases are rare in plants. Instead, plants have a diverse class of...
01:07MAPK Signaling Cascades
Mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MAPK pathway, activates three sequential kinases to regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. The canonical MAPK pathway starts with a mitogen or growth factor binding to an RTK. The activated RTKs stimulate Ras, which recruits Raf or MAP3 Kinase (MAPKKK), the first kinase of the MAPK signaling cascade. Raf further phosphorylates and activates MEK or MAP2 Kinases (MAPKK), which in turn phosphorylates MAP...
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
03:14Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
03:14Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...