RALFs

Abstract

Peptide signaling regulates a variety of developmental processes and environmental responses in plants.1-6 For example, the peptide systemin induces the systemic defense response in tomato7 and defensins are small cysteine-rich proteins that are involved in the innate immune system of plants.8,9 The CLAVATA3 peptide regulates meristem size10 and the SCR peptide is the pollen self-incompatibility recognition factor in the Brassicaceae.11,12 LURE peptides produced by synergid cells attract pollen tubes to the embryo sac.9 RALFs are a recently discovered family of plant peptides that play a role in plant cell growth. © 2010 Landes Bioscience.