Why is FERONIA pleiotropic?
Résumé
The authors revisit the array of phenotypes linked to FERONIA in an attempt to identify a unifying feature behind its many biological and biochemical functions. They propose that the contribution of FERONIA to monitoring turgor-dependent cell wall tension may explain its pleiotropy.
The plant cell wall has many roles: structure, hydraulics, signalling and immunity. Monitoring its status is therefore essential for plant life. Among many candidate cell wall sensors, FERONIA, a member of the Catharanthus roseus receptor-like kinase-1-like kinase (CrRLK1L) family, has received considerable attention, notably because of its numerous interactors and its implication in many biological pathways. Conversely, such an analytical dissection may blur its core function. Here we revisit the array of feronia phenotypes as an attempt to identify a unifying feature behind the plethora of biological and biochemical functions. We propose that the contribution of FERONIA in monitoring turgor-dependent cell wall tension may explain its pleiotropy.