Multi-tasking of SERK-like kinases in plant embryogenesis, growth, and development: current advances and biotechnological applications

Abstract

In plants, exogenous signals play a vital role in cell metabolism modification leading to growth and defense responses. The SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE (SERK) belongs to a family of leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs), involved in cell-to-embryo-transition, plant environmental responses, and plant development. SERKs interact with various ligand-binding receptors with complex-signaling networks and appear to function in diverse biological processes in plant development and physiology. The present review explores the current status of the role of SERK genes as candidate marker during plant embryogenesis. Furthermore, we describe recent advances in newly identified SERK functions and provide novel insights into different biotechnological advances. The recent advancements in newly identified SERK will help to unlock the long-standing mysteries of different biological and molecular mechanisms of plant cells.