Abstract
Receptor-like kinases (RLK) are among the largest gene families encoded by plant genomes. Common structural features of plant RLKs are an extracellular ligand binding domain, a membrane spanning domain, and an intracellular protein kinase domain. The largest subfamily of plant RLKs is characterized by extracellular leucine-rich repeat (LRR-RLK) structures that are known biochemical modules for mediating ligand binding and protein–protein interactions. In the frame of the Arabidopsis Functional Genomics Network initiative of the German Research Foundation (DFG) we have conducted a comprehensive survey for and functional characterization of LRR-RLKs potentially implicated in Arabidopsis thaliana immunity to microbial infection. Arabidopsis gene expression patterns suggested an important role of this class of proteins in biotic stress adaptation. Detailed biochemical and physiological characterization of the brassinosteroid insensitive 1-associated receptor kinase 1 (BAK1) revealed brassinolide-independent roles of this protein in plant immunity, in addition to its well-established function in plant development. The LRR-RLK BAK1 has further been shown to form heteromeric complexes with various other LRR-RLKs in a ligand-dependent manner, suggesting a role as adapter or co-receptor in plant receptor complexes. Here, we review the current status of BAK1 and BAK1-interacting LRR-RLKs in plant immunity.
Highlights
Plant receptor-like kinases (RLKs) belong to the monophyletic interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) or Receptor-like kinases (RLK)/Pelle family (Shiu et al, 2004). 600 family members make this family one of the largest in Arabidopsis thaliana (Lehti-Shiu et al, 2009)
The large number of leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-RLK that are encoded by the A. thaliana genome and the proven role of FLS2 in plant immunity have prompted us to undertake a systematic survey for additional LRRRLKs that mediate plant–pathogen encounters (Kemmerling et al, 2007)
A TRANSCRIPTOMICS-BASED SEARCH FOR LRR-RLKS WITH PUTATIVE ROLES IN PLANT DEFENSE TO MICROBIAL INFECTION Responses to abiotic or biotic stimuli in plants have often been reported to be associated with increased accumulation of transcripts encoding proteins that are required for initiation and/or execution of adaptive physiological programs
Summary
Plant receptor-like kinases (RLKs) belong to the monophyletic interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) or RLK/Pelle family (Shiu et al, 2004). 600 family members make this family one of the largest in Arabidopsis thaliana (Lehti-Shiu et al, 2009). Detailed biochemical and physiological characterization of the brassinosteroid insensitive 1-associated receptor kinase 1 (BAK1) revealed brassinolide-independent roles of this protein in plant immunity, in addition to its well-established function in plant development.
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