Plant lectins: Handymen at the cell surface

Tibo De Coninck; Els J M Van Damme

doi:10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100091

Plant lectins: Handymen at the cell surface

Cell Surf. 2022 Nov 26:8:100091. doi: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100091. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Authors

Tibo De Coninck¹, Els J M Van Damme¹

Affiliation

¹ Laboratory for Glycobiology & Biochemistry, Department of Biotechnology, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Abstract

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins and are involved in a multitude of biological functions. Lectins at the surface of plant cells often occur as lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLK) anchored to the plasma membrane. These LecRLKs are part of the plant's pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) system enabling the plant to perceive threats and respond adequately. Furthermore, plant lectins also occur as secreted proteins, which are associated with stress signalling and defence. The aim of this short review is to provide a general perspective on plant lectins and their role at the cell surface.

Keywords: Cell surface; Lectin; Plant defence; Receptor kinase; Signalling.

Publication types

Review