Peptide stimulated regulation of cell elongation

Plasma membrane localized receptor kinases constitute important sensing mechanisms for exogenous and endogenous signals in plants. We identified a direct interaction between a receptor kinase (PIRK) and the major proton pump (H+-ATPase; AHA2). Upon binding of a peptide the receptor kinase phosphorylates the autoinhibitory domain of AHA2, giving rise to increased proton extrusion leading to cell elongation.

We want to identify other components of this signal transduction pathway by the use of the techniques 2D-DIGE and microarray analysis.