RALF peptide signaling controls the polytubey block in Arabidopsis

Science. 2022 Jan 21;375(6578):290-296. doi: 10.1126/science.abl4683. Epub 2022 Jan 20.

Abstract

Fertilization of an egg by multiple sperm (polyspermy) leads to lethal genome imbalance and chromosome segregation defects. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the block to polyspermy is facilitated by a mechanism that prevents polytubey (the arrival of multiple pollen tubes to one ovule). We show here that FERONIA, ANJEA, and HERCULES RECEPTOR KINASE 1 receptor-like kinases located at the septum interact with pollen tube-specific RALF6, 7, 16, 36, and 37 peptide ligands to establish this polytubey block. The same combination of RALF (rapid alkalinization factor) peptides and receptor complexes controls pollen tube reception and rupture inside the targeted ovule. Pollen tube rupture releases the polytubey block at the septum, which allows the emergence of secondary pollen tubes upon fertilization failure. Thus, orchestrated steps in the fertilization process in Arabidopsis are coordinated by the same signaling components to guarantee and optimize reproductive success.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / physiology*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Fertilization
  • Ligands
  • Ovule / physiology
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Phosphotransferases / metabolism
  • Pollen / metabolism
  • Pollen Tube / metabolism
  • Pollen Tube / physiology*
  • Pollination
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Peptides
  • FERONIA receptor like kinase, Arabidopsis
  • Phosphotransferases
  • Protein Kinases
  • HERCULES1 protein, Arabidopsis