MAPK cascades in plant defense signaling.
The Arabidopsis genome encodes approximately 20 different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) that are likely to be involved in growth, development and responses to endogenous and environmental cues. Several plant MAPKs are activated by a variety of stress stimuli, including pathogen infection, wounding, temperature, drought, salinity, osmolarity, UV irradiation, ozone and reactive oxygen species. Recent gain-of-function studies show that two tobacco MAPKs induce the expression of defense genes and cause cell death. By contrast, loss-of-function studies of other MAPK pathways revealed negative regulation of disease resistance. This 'push-and-pull' regulation by different MAPK pathways might provide a more precise control of plant defense responses.
Zhang
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Dept Biochemistry, University of Missouri-Columbia, 117 Schweitzer Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. zhangsh@missouri.edu
Klessig
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D017209:Apoptosis; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010935:Plant Diseases; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism*
D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases