CERK1 — Medicago truncatula

Summary

MTR_2G095180, designated CERK1 in barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) on chromosome 2, encodes a transmembrane receptor protein kinase with chitin-binding, sugar-binding, protein serine/threonine kinase, ATP-binding and homodimerization activities. The protein contains a Ser-Thr/Tyr kinase catalytic domain and a protein kinase domain, and localizes to the plasma membrane, pollen aperture, MVB membrane, cytosol and membrane. CERK1 is associated with strigolactone anabolism, pollen aperture formation, virus-induced PTGS, regulation of floral meristem size and organ number, sepal giant cell differentiation, asymmetric cell division, flower morphogenesis, floral organ development, gametophyte development, epidermal cell differentiation, lateral root development and formation, plant organ development, innate immune response-activating signaling, cell death and HR-PCD. Studies of related genes in other species, including NORK, DMI2 and CR4, link the family to receptor kinase signaling and symbiosis.