Urano, D et al., 2013. Open Biology

Heterotrimeric G protein signaling in the plant kingdom

Daisuke Urano, Jin-Gui Chen, José Ramón Botella, and Alan M. Jones
27 March 2013 ,Open Biology 3(3): 1-23; doi: 10.1098/rsob.120186

Abstract

In animals, heterotrimeric G proteins, comprising a-, b-and g-subunits, perceive extracellular stimuli through cell surface receptors, and transmit signals to ion channels, enzymes and other effector proteins to affect numerous cellular behaviours. In plants, G proteins have structural similarities to the corresponding molecules in animals but transmit signals by atypical mechanisms and effector proteins to control growth, cell proliferation, defence, stomate movements, channel regulation, sugar sensing and some hormonal responses. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the molecular regulation of plant G proteins, their effectors and the physiological functions studied mainly in two model organisms: Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa). We also look at recent progress on structural analyses, systems biology and evolutionary studies.

Citation

Urano D, Chen JG, Botella JR, and Jones AM. 2013. Heterotrimeric G protein signaling in the plant kingdom. Open Biology 3(3) doi: 10.1098/rsob.120186