Receptor-mediated cell-cell communication in plants: functional analysis of the LRR-V/SRS family of putative leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase in Arabidopsis thaliana

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It is well established that plant cells must repeatedly assess and communicate their relative positions in order to allow proper development to occur. Little is known, however, about the underlying mechanisms of cell-cell communication. This project provides the basis for a long-term exploration of novel receptor kinase-dependent signal transduction pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana. It will thus also enhance our knowledge on receptor-mediated signal transduction in plants in general. The grant proposal is based on results from our previous analysis of STRUBBELIG (SUB), a gene encoding a novel type of leucinerich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK). Genetic analysis indicated that SUB is required for apical meristem development, apical meristem size, floral organ initiation and outgrowth, and integument morphogenesis. Thus, SUB defines a novel receptor kinase-based signal transduction pathway of general importance for organogenesis. SUB and eight homologs of unknown function belong to the Arabidopsis LRR-V family of LRR-RLKs. The proposed research will be based on methods of reverse genetics, cellular and molecular biology, and biochemistry. The major focus will reside on the molecular characterization and the investigation of the biological function of the eight SUB homologs of the family. Experiments are also planned that address the intracellular localization of the proteins and their potential interactions.