Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

High Resolution Quantification of Crystalline Cellulose Accumulation in Arabidopsis Roots to Monitor Tissue-specific Cell Wall Modifications
Published on: May 10, 2016
CRINKLY4: Multifaceted Roles Beyond Epidermal Cell Differentiation in Plant Development?
Xin-Ge Zhao1, Ying Sun1, Cui-Xia Pu1
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China.
Crinkly4 (CR4), a receptor-like kinase, regulates diverse plant development, including epidermal cell differentiation. This review explores CR4
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Plant Development
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are crucial for plant growth and development.
- CRINKLY4 (CR4) was among the first identified RLKs and is vital for maize epidermal cell differentiation.
- CR4's functions extend beyond epidermal cells, impacting various developmental processes across species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of CR4 in plant development.
- To analyze CR4's expression, localization, and functional domains.
- To summarize CR4-mediated signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CR4 function and signaling.
- Analysis of CR4 expression patterns and subcellular localization.
- Examination of CR4's extracellular domains and kinase activity.
Main Results:
- CR4 exhibits versatile roles in plant development, including stem cell differentiation, epidermal patterning, and vascular development.
- Its two extracellular domains and kinase activity are essential for its function.
- CR4 signaling pathways are involved in critical developmental processes.
Conclusions:
- CR4 is a key regulator in diverse plant developmental pathways.
- Understanding CR4's complex roles provides insights into plant growth control.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate CR4-mediated signaling.
Related Concept Videos
Morphogenesis
Introduction to Plant Diversity
Cell Adhesion in Plants
Pectins are complex heteropolymers mainly composed of negatively-charged α-D-glucopyranosyl uronic acid and some neutral glycosyl residues such as α-L-rhamnopyranose, α-L-arabinofuranose,...
Cell Signaling in Plants
Role of Microtubules in Cell Wall Deposition
Meristems and Plant Growth

