Plant peptides - Taking them to the next level

Abstract

Plant growth, development, reproduction and environmental stress responses are tightly regulated by a complex network of signalling pathways. Plant hormones - including salicylic acid, ethylene, jasmonic acid, auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid and brassinosteroids - have long been considered the major signalling molecules during those processes. However, the discovery that many different (secreted) peptides are involved in signalling has stimulated intensive research, and this special issue reflects the latest developments in this dynamic field.