植物有性生殖过程中, 花粉-柱头间的识别作用是确保亲和花粉萌发、完成受精并保持后代遗传稳定性的重要环节, 也是农业生产上杂交育种的一个障碍。相关研究历来备受关注。然而, 经过几十年的研究, 亲和花粉如何被识别仍是未解之谜。最近, 华东师范大学李超团队的研究成果, 揭示花粉外被B类小肽PCP-Bs与柱头分泌的RALF23/33小肽竞争性地与柱头乳突细胞质膜上的ANJ-FER受体激酶复合体直接结合, 通过下游RAC/ROP-NADPH氧化酶信号途径调节柱头活性氧水平, 从而调节亲和花粉水合作用的机制。这一发现是认识花粉与柱头识别机制的重要突破。

During sexual plant reproduction, pollen-stigma recognition is a critical step for the germination of compatible pollen to ensure successful fertilization and genetic stability of offspring. It is also the first barrier for interspecific hybridization in crop breeding. Thus, great efforts have been made in relevant investigations during past decades. However, how the compatible pollen is recognized by the stigma remains a mystery. Recently, Chao Li’s group from East China Normal University published their work inScience, which reveals that POLLEN COAT PROTEIN B-class peptides (PCP-Bs) could compete with stigma RALF23/33 for binding to the ANJ-FER complex on stigma surface, resulting in a decline of stigmatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that facilitates compatible pollen hydration. This finding represents a breakthrough in the field.