Role of CRKs and ROS signaling in the rejection of Arabidopsis self pollen – ROCnROS

Self-incompatibility (SI) is a plant genetic mechanism that enables the female tissues to discriminate mating partners (pollen). SI systems ensure outcrossing by arresting self pollen while promoting non-self pollen to progress and ultimately fertilize the ovules. We recently identified two Cysteine Rich receptor Kinase genes (CRK31 and CRK41), which are highly upregulated upon self-pollen recognition. Because CRKs are involved in the regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) signaling, we propose a challenging model for SI where ROS production dependent on CRK31/41 activation is responsible for self-pollen rejection. We will test this hypothesis by combining state-of-the art approaches including live cell imaging, Atomic Force Microscopy, quantitative biochemistry and mass spectrometry approaches. The strength of this project relies on the complementary expertise of partners whose aim is to dissect a cell-to-cell signaling mechanism that has played a key role in the success of flowering plants.