Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Plants
Summary
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling comprises conserved modules in plants that transduce extracellular stimuli into cellular responses by sequential phosphorylation of MAPKKKs, MAPKKs and MAPKs. These cascades regulate growth, development and adaptive responses to biotic and abiotic stress through modulation of transcription factors, enzymes and ion channels. Activation often follows perception of stress signals such as pathogen-associated molecular patterns or drought-induced abscisic acid accumulation, triggering reactive oxygen species bursts and leading to specific MAPK activation profiles. Spatiotemporal dynamics of MAPK cascades, their crosstalk with hormone signalling and feedback control ensure tailored outcomes ranging from stomatal closure and defence gene expression to cell division and programmed cell death. Current efforts aim to map network topology, define substrate specificity and pinpoint regulatory nodes for agricultural enhancement of stress tolerance and yield.
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in Plants publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in plants across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK): A serine/threonine kinase activated by MAPKKs to phosphorylate target proteins in signalling cascades.
MAPK Kinase (MAPKK): A dual-specificity kinase that phosphorylates and activates MAPKs.
MAPK Kinase Kinase (MAPKKK): The upstream serine/threonine kinase that initiates the phosphorylation cascade.
Phosphorylation: The enzymatic addition of a phosphate group to a protein, modulating its activity or interactions.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules, such as hydrogen peroxide, that act as signals in stress responses.
References
- Molecular traits of MAPK kinases and the regulatory mechanism of GhMAPKK5 alleviating drought/salt stress in cotton. Plant Physiology (2024).
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascades in Plant Hormone Signaling. Frontiers in Plant Science (2018).
- ROS mediated MAPK signaling in abiotic and biotic stress- striking similarities and differences. Frontiers in Plant Science (2015).
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