Chinese Bulletin of Botany ›› 2021, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (2): 147-150.DOI: 10.11983/CBB21048

• COMMENTARIES • Previous Articles     Next Articles

POLLENCOAT PROTEIN B-class Peptides (PCP-Bs), a Key of Compatible Pollen to Open the Gate of Stigma

Wei Wang, Mengxiang Sun()   

  1. College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
  • Received:2021-03-15 Accepted:2021-03-24 Online:2021-03-01 Published:2021-04-09
  • Contact: Mengxiang Sun

Abstract: 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.

Key words: pollen-stigma recognition, pollen coat protein, ANJ-FER receptor kinase complex, peptide, reactive oxygen species (ROS)