Http://mediatum.ub.t Um.de/doc/647343/doc Ument.pdf

Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) play a crucial role in signaling processes in plants, including plant growth and development, hormone perception, pathogen resistance, and self-incompatibility. The Leucine-Rich-Repeat (LRR) is the most common extracellular motif in Arabidopsis RLKs. This study aimed to identify the function of eight LRR-V/STRUBBELIG-RECEPTOR-FAMILY (SRF/LRR-V) genes encoding LRR-RLKs in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The study found that SRF4 is a positive regulator of leaf size, with srf4 mutants having smaller leaves and 35S::SRF4 plants having larger leaves. Root growth analysis showed that srf4 mutants had shorter roots in 1% sucrose, indicating a possible function of SRF4 in root size. Expression patterns of all SRF genes were characterized by in-situ hybridization, showing expression in ovules, anthers, inflorescence meristem, and young flower organs.

Promoter-GUS studies confirmed the expression of SRF1, SRF4, SRF6, and SRF7 in various tissues. The study provides new insights into the functional elucidation of the SRF family, suggesting potential functions in plant development, particularly in leaf and root growth, and highlighting the importance of further investigations into the redundancy and interactions within the SRF family.