Genetic diversity-based generation of multi-functional peptide hormones in plants

Abstract

Peptide hormones are versatile regulators of plant growth and environmental responses.　To date, approximately 20 families of plant peptide hormones have been found.　Members in each family contain minor structural variations, which are in some cases implicated in functional differentiation in plants.　Based on the genetic diversity of CLE family peptides, we have recently found a new type of artificial peptides that can activate two distinct receptors.　In this review, we introduce the story of this finding and discuss the mechanisms of action of the artificial peptide ligands.