The biological functions of peptide signaling in plant and the advances on its utilization for crop improvement.

As the important signaling molecules in plants, peptides at femtomolar levels are recognized and bound by the corresponding plasma membrane-localized receptor-like kinases. This triggers the peptide-receptor-mediated intercellular signal transduction for regulation of the stem cell growth and proliferation, modulation of the development of plant organs (such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits) as well as coordinating plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. With the advancement of in-depth research, an increasing number of studies have revealed the crucial role of peptides in regulating agronomic traits of various crops, including rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), potato (Solanum tuberosum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). These findings suggest the great potentials of utilizing the peptide signaling for genetic improvement of crops. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the biological function and molecular mechanism of peptide-receptor signaling in plants, and highlight the advances in research of peptides in regulating crop yield, quality and resistance. Then, we discuss the strategies for the application of peptide signaling in crop improvement. Finally, we point out some future directions for peptide research in plant.作为植物体内一类重要的信号分子，小肽在飞摩尔(fmol)级的浓度下被相应的细胞质膜类受体激酶识别并结合，开启小肽-受体介导的细胞间信号转导过程，从而调控植物干细胞的生长与增殖，调节根、茎、叶、花和果实等多种植物器官的发育，协调植物响应生物和非生物胁迫等多种生理过程。随着研究的不断深入，越来越多的报道揭示了小肽在水稻(Oryza sativa)、玉米(Zea mays)、马铃薯(Solanum tuberosum)及番茄(Solanum lycopersicum)等多种作物农艺性状中的重要调控功能，暗示着小肽信号在作物遗传改良中的巨大应用潜力。本文系统总结了小肽-受体介导的信号转导模式在植物中的生物学功能及分子机制，重点综述了小肽在调控作物产量、品质和抗性等重要农艺性状中的研究进展，并讨论了小肽信号应用于作物育种改良的策略，最后提出了小肽研究的未来方向。.