Heterotrimeric G protein mediated signalling in plants

Abstract

The heterotrimeric G protein consists of an α, β, and γ subunit and was initially identified
and well-studied in animal systems. In animals, they perceive external signals via
transmembrane receptors and transfer the signals leading to various cellular activities.
Recent studies have identified G proteins in plants that has numerous roles in basic plant
functioning. In plants, G protein signalling known to be involved in the regulation of cell
division and development, morphological development, stomatal control ,light perception
abiotic stress response to phytohormones, nitrogen metabolism ,ionchannel, disease
responses and sugar sensing. This mini review highlights the basic differences in plant and
animal G proteins. Further, the review focuses on the plant G protein signalling process in
regulation of nitrogen, immune responses and phytohormones. It also gives an insight into
the role of G protein in root nodulation, lateral root formation and sugar sensing.