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MAP kinase signal transduction pathways in plants
1Heriot-Watt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS.
The New Phytologist
|April 20, 2021
Summary
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) pathways regulate essential plant processes like cell division and stress responses. This review explores their complex roles in plants, from hormone signaling to defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Signal Transduction
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) cascades are crucial for transmitting extracellular signals in eukaryotic cells, influencing vital cellular functions.
- In plants, MAP kinases are encoded by multigene families, forming complex, interacting pathways that govern cell division, differentiation, metabolism, and stress responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rapidly advancing field of MAP kinase research in plants.
- To consolidate current understanding of MAP kinase involvement in plant growth, development, and environmental interactions.
Main Methods:
- Yeast two-hybrid system for analyzing in vitro interactions of MAP kinase cascade components.
- Transient transformation of protoplasts with epitope-tagged kinases to test cascades in planta.
- Review of existing literature on MAP kinase pathways in plants.
Main Results:
- MAP kinases are clearly involved in plant cell division and auxin signaling regulation.
- Biotic stresses (pathogens, elicitors) and abiotic stresses (wounding, cold, drought) activate plant MAP kinase pathways for defense.
- Evidence suggests MAP kinase pathways are utilized in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, and potentially ethylene and cytokinin signaling.
Conclusions:
- MAP kinase pathways are central regulators of diverse physiological processes in plants.
- Further research into MAP kinase functions offers significant potential for understanding plant biology and improving crop resilience.
Keywords:
MAP kinaseMEKplant hormone signallingplant stress signallingprotein phosphorylationsignal transductionMore Related Videos
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