Investigating peptide signaling controlling plant development in Arabidopsis

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Cell-cell communication is integral to the evolution of multicellularity. In plants, intercellular signaling mediated by peptide ligands has emerged as a key component of growth and development. Plants possess many genes encoding small, secreted peptides and receptor kinases, which occur in gene families and often have redundant functions. Although exciting progress has been made in understanding peptide signaling in plants, how different peptide signals are correctly interpreted to control diverse developmental processes is poorly understood. This proposal aims to address a major unresolved question in peptide signaling and plant development: how peptide ligands elicit unique biological responses using the same sets of receptors. We focus on two classes of the plant peptide family known to play an overlapping yet unique role in various developmental processes in Arabidopsis. We will fill the major gap between receptors and downstream signaling pathways in inflorescence and stomatal development, and study the relationship between peptide binding and receptor differential activation to decipher the mechanisms of signaling specificity. We will further uncover the function of a specific peptide family in stomatal patterning. This research will bring significant insights into our understanding of molecular complexity, specificity, and the dynamics of peptide signaling that enforces proper development in plants. A deep understanding of the mechanisms controlling plant development will allow us to develop strategies to improve water-use efficiency and biomass production of agriculturally important plants. **