Sweet Modifications Modulate Plant Development

Abstract

Plant development represents a continuous process in which the plant undergoes morphological, (epi)genetic and metabolic changes. Starting from pollination, seed maturation and germination, the plant continues to grow and develops specialized organs to survive, thrive and generate offspring. The development of plants and the interplay with its environment are highly linked to glycosylation of proteins and lipids as well as metabolism and signaling of sugars. Although the involvement of these protein modifications and sugars is well-studied, there is still a long road ahead to profoundly comprehend their nature, significance, importance for plant development and the interplay with stress responses. This review, approached from the plants’ perspective, aims to focus on some key findings highlighting the importance of glycosylation and sugar signaling for plant development.

Demystifying the O-GlcNAc Code: A Systems View

“…The growth and development of plants as well as the interplay with its environment are closely linked to protein glycosylation. − In contrast to traditional N-/O- glycosylation, O-GlcNAcylation has been relatively less appreciated. However, emerging evidence suggests that O-GlcNAcylation plays critical roles in plant physiology and pathology.…”

Review: The multiple roles of plant lectins

“…Though jacalin-related lectins can occur as single lectin domain proteins, the subgroup of mannose-binding jacalin-related lectins also comprises proteins containing multiple (2)(3)(4)(5)(6) in tandem arrayed lectin domain repeats [104][105][106]. In addition, several grass species (including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rice, maize (Zea mays L.) and bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J.Houz.)…”

“…Yet, most plant carbohydrates are part of more complex structures, including, e.g. storage polysaccharides (starch and fructans), cell wall components, glycoproteins and glycolipids [ [3,4] and references cited therein]. Although in the early days of lectinology, research mainly focused on lectin interactions with monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, today the pool of known carbohydrate structures that bind lectins is extended and diverse, contributing to our understanding of the roles for lectins in plants.…”

The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in Solanum lycopersicum production in the agricultural system: a review

“…The soil’s health status promotes its agricultural sustainability ( Odelade & Babalola, 2019 ). Various studies have demonstrated the effects of microorganisms on tomatoes regarding their size and development, proper seed multiplication, nutrition, disease resistance, and seedling development ( De Coninck et al, 2021 ; Patil & Fauquet, 2021 ). In addition, the soil factors affecting plant growth are as follows; dissolved oxygen concentration, nutrients, phytopathogens and parasites, water, and weed seed pools ( Patil & Fauquet, 2021 ).…”