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Small Peptides, Smart Plants: The Emerging Significance of SCOOP Signalling.
Chandan Roy1, Shuvobrata Majumder2, Salman Sahid3
1Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Plant secreted peptides (SCOOPs) regulate growth and immunity. The SCOOP-MIK2 pathway integrates these processes, influencing development and stress responses for climate-resilient crops.
Area of Science:
- Plant molecular biology
- Plant signaling
- Phytocytokines
Background:
- Small secreted peptides are crucial for plant functions.
- The Serine-rich endogenous peptide (SCOOP) family acts as phytocytokines.
- SCOOPs integrate immune signaling with developmental regulation via MIK2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on the SCOOP-MIK2 signaling module.
- To highlight the role of SCOOPs in plant growth, immunity, and stress adaptation.
- To explore the potential for developing stress-resilient plants.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on SCOOP-MIK2 signaling.
- Analysis of PROSCOOP precursor processing by subtilases.
- Examination of ligand-receptor interactions and downstream pathways.
Main Results:
- SCOOP peptides diversify signals, strengthening growth-immunity links.
- Microbial SCOOP-like (SCOOPL) peptides show cross-kingdom signaling via MIK2.
- Different SCOOPs (e.g., SCOOP10, SCOOP12) elicit distinct responses via MIK2, affecting leaf senescence and root growth.
Conclusions:
- The SCOOP-MIK2 axis is a central integrator of plant growth, defense, and environmental responses.
- Understanding SCOOP activation and specificity can lead to improved crop resilience.
- This pathway offers opportunities for developing climate-change-adapted plants.
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