Study of pollen tube growth by ralf-mediated signaling with receptor-like kinases in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract

In flowering plants, fertilization requires complex signal exchanges and a flawless communication between male and female reproductive tissues. This complex cell-to-cell communication that occurs in the extracellular matrix to the interior of the cell is crucial for cell?s function. Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) have been implicated in various processes, including cell wall integrity, sexual reproduction, immunity and various hormone pathways. In turn, small proteins of the RAPID ALKALINIZATION FACTOR (RALF) family have been recently identified as ligands of different RLKs. RLK/RALF interaction is essential for a correct polarized growth of pollen tubes, process regulated by cytoskeletal reorganization, vesicular movement, Ca2+ signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the mechanism of their perception has not been fully elucidated. Using transgenic plants that express pollen proteins followed by fluorescent proteins, we propose to study the mechanism of interactions between pollen RALFs and their respective RLKs. These results will shed light to understand the signaling pathway during pollen tube growth in Arabidopsis thaliana.