RLK — Capsicum annuum

Summary

CaRLK (T459_23116) on pepper chromosome 9 encodes a transmembrane receptor protein serine/threonine kinase with coreceptor activity, histidine kinase activity, and sugar binding, belonging to the L-type lectin receptor kinase family. It is associated with diverse biological processes including pollen aperture formation, cellular responses to ethylene and salinity, upregulation of innate immune and defense responses against fungi and oomycetes, cytokinin signaling, somatic embryogenesis, seed germination, and regulation of growth. The protein localizes to the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, cytosol, nucleus, and pollen aperture. CaRLK is linked to ethylene sensitivity, defense against herbivory, and methyl jasmonate-mediated stomatal closure. Related genes in other species are associated with stomatal immunity, resistance to Pseudomonas syringae, and Fusarium crown and root rot resistance, as well as traits such as drought tolerance, salt response, fruit size, and root architecture.