Abstract
Recent identification of CLAVATA3 (CLV3), a CLV3/ ESR-related (CLE) protein, functioning as a dodecapeptide with two hydroxyproline residues in plants, has enlighten the importance of peptide hormones and corresponding receptor-like kinases (RLKs) for inter- and intracellular communication in plant development. By genetic means, the CLV3 dodecapeptide is considered as a ligand for receptor complex(es) consisting of CLAVATA1 and CLAVATA2 to control shoot apical meristem size in Arabidopsis. However, the precise molecular details of CLE peptide maturation, transport, reception and signalling in a target cell, still remain to be solved. To answer these questions, we have focused on the CLV system. We are conducting mutant screenings of EMS-treated various populations for the CLV3 synthetic peptide insensitivity to identify further loci involved in the CLV signalling. We are also developing genetic and biochemical tools to dissect molecular bases for the CLV signalling. Current progress in this study will be presented.
