title: Properties, functions and evolution of cytokinin receptors.
abstract: The discovery of cytokinin receptors of Arabidopsis thaliana ten years ago was a milestone in plant hormone research. Since then, research has yielded insights into the biochemical properties and functions of these sensor histidine kinases. Their affinities to both trans-zeatin and isopentenyladenine are in the low nM range. Cytokinin ribosides, cis-zeatin and thidiazuron were established as compounds with genuine cytokinin activity and the first cytokinin antagonists were identified. Numerous functions of cytokinin receptors in plant development, as well as in the plant's responses to the environment, have been elucidated and are summarized. Finally, we address the question how the receptors have evolved during plant evolution.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biology/Applied Genetics, Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Heyl
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Riefler
authors.forename: Georgy A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Romanov
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schmülling
mesh_terms: D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D003583:Cytokinins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D000071677:Histidine Kinase; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary / Q000502:physiology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; D003583:Cytokinins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011494:Protein Kinases; D000071677:Histidine Kinase; C421783:WOL protein, Arabidopsis