Polypetide signaling molecules in plant development

Authors: GRIENENBERGER, ETIENNE - University Of California; Fletcher, Jennifer

Submitted to: Current Opinion in Plant Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/30/2014
Publication Date: 1/10/2015
Citation: Grienenberger, E., Fletcher, J.C. 2015. Polypetide signaling molecules in plant development. Current Opinion in Plant Biology. 23:8-14.

Interpretive Summary: This article reviews the current state of scientific knowledge regarding small signaling molecules in plants. These signaling molecules are small proteins that can move between individual cells to communicate information from one cell to another. We discuss the different gene families that produce these signaling molecules and what is known about their functions during growth and development in various plant species.

Technical Abstract: Intercellular communication mediated by small signaling molecules is a key mechanism for coordinating plant growth and development. In the past few years, polypeptide signals have been shown to play prominent roles in processes as diverse as shoot and root meristem maintenance, vascular differentiation, lateral root emergence, and seed formation. Signaling components such as CLV1 and the IDA-HAE/HSL2 signaling module have been discovered to regulate distinct developmental processes in different tissues. Recent studies have also uncovered novel polypeptide-receptor interactions, intracellular components and downstream target genes, adding complexity to our picture of polypeptide signaling networks. Finally, new families of plant polypeptides, such as the GLV/RGF/CLEL and ESF factors, are emerging whose functions we are only beginning to understand.