The DRAGO software (http://www.prgdb.org/prgdb4/drago3) predicts the protein class associated with microbial/disease interactions. Below, we provide a list of functions associated with some of these protein classes for reference.
1. The KIN (Kinase Interaction Network) class refers to a group of proteins known as kinases that play a crucial role in cell signaling and regulation. Kinases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to specific target proteins, a process known as phosphorylation. This phosphorylation event can modify the activity, localization, and overall function of the target protein, thereby regulating various cellular processes. The KIN class of proteins is involved in a wide range of cellular functions, including: 1) Signal Transduction: Kinases are key components of signal transduction pathways, which allow cells to respond to external stimuli such as hormones, growth factors, and stress signals. By phosphorylating target proteins, kinases transmit signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, regulating gene expression and other cellular responses. 2) Cell Cycle Regulation: Kinases play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle, ensuring that cells divide and replicate their DNA accurately. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a well-known group of kinases that regulate different phases of the cell cycle. 3) Cell Growth and Differentiation: Kinases are involved in regulating cell growth and differentiation processes. They can control the activity of transcription factors and other proteins that govern cell fate decisions, such as cell proliferation, cell survival, and cell specialization. 4) Metabolism: Kinases are also involved in metabolic processes, including the regulation of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and energy homeostasis. For example, kinases such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) play a crucial role in sensing cellular energy levels and regulating metabolic pathways accordingly. 5) Immune Response: Kinases are essential for immune cell signaling and the activation of immune responses. They regulate the activation and function of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, in response to pathogens or foreign substances. 6) Development and Differentiation: Kinases are critical for embryonic development and tissue differentiation. They regulate processes such as cell migration, tissue patterning, and organ development. Overall, the KIN class of proteins plays a fundamental role in cellular processes by regulating the activity of various target proteins through phosphorylation. Their functions are diverse and essential for the proper functioning and regulation of cells and organisms.
2. Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are a class of proteins found in plants that play important roles in various cellular processes, including plant growth, development, and defense against pathogens. RLKs are transmembrane proteins that span the plasma membrane, with an extracellular domain that can bind to ligands and an intracellular domain that has kinase activity. The functions of RLKs can be diverse and specific to different plant species and tissues. Here are some common functions of RLKs: 1) Signal Perception: RLKs can perceive signals from the environment, such as hormones, peptides, or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). They act as receptors and initiate signaling cascades in response to these signals. 2) Defense Response: RLKs are involved in plant defense against pathogens. They can recognize PAMPs and activate immune responses, such as the production of antimicrobial compounds, reinforcement of the cell wall, and activation of defense-related genes. 3) Developmental Processes: RLKs play crucial roles in plant development, including embryogenesis, organ formation, and tissue differentiation. They regulate processes such as cell division, cell elongation, and cell differentiation. 4) Hormone Signaling: RLKs are involved in the perception and transduction of hormonal signals, such as brassinosteroids, auxins, cytokinins, and abscisic acid. They regulate various physiological processes, including growth, flowering, and stress responses. 5) Abiotic Stress Response: RLKs are implicated in plant responses to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. They can activate stress-responsive genes and signaling pathways to enhance plant tolerance to these stresses. 6) Pollination and Fertilization: RLKs are involved in the recognition and interaction between pollen and the female reproductive tissues during pollination and fertilization. They mediate pollen tube growth, guidance, and fusion with the ovule. It's important to note that the specific functions of RLKs can vary depending on the plant species and the context in which they are expressed. Additionally, there are different subclasses of RLKs with distinct functions, such as receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) and receptor-like proteins (RLPs), which may have specialized roles in plant signaling and defense.
3. The TNL (TIR-NBS-LRR) class of plant immune receptors is a subclass of receptor-like kinases (RLKs) that play a crucial role in plant defense against pathogens. TNL receptors are characterized by their domain structure, which includes a Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain, a nucleotide-binding site (NBS), and a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain. The TIR domain is responsible for initiating downstream signaling upon pathogen recognition, while the NBS domain binds and hydrolyzes ATP, providing energy for the signaling process. The LRR domain is involved in pathogen recognition and specificity. The main function of TNL receptors is to detect specific pathogen effectors, which are proteins secreted by pathogens to suppress or manipulate the plant's immune response. When a TNL receptor recognizes a pathogen effector, it triggers a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of defense responses, such as the production of antimicrobial compounds, reinforcement of the cell wall, and activation of defense-related genes. TNL receptors are part of the plant immune system's first line of defense, known as the effector-triggered immunity (ETI) response. ETI is a rapid and robust defense response that is activated when a plant recognizes a specific pathogen effector. This response often leads to localized cell death, known as the hypersensitive response (HR), which restricts the pathogen's spread. It's important to note that TNL receptors are just one class of immune receptors in plants, and there are other classes, such as the CNL (CC-NBS-LRR) and RLK (receptor-like kinase) classes, that also play important roles in plant defense.
4. RLP (Receptor-Like Protein) is a class of proteins found in plants that are involved in various cellular processes, including plant development, defense responses, and signal transduction. RLPs are similar to RLKs (Receptor-Like Kinases) in structure, but they lack the intracellular kinase domain.The specific functions of RLPs can vary depending on the plant species and the context in which they are expressed. Here are some common functions of RLPs: 1) Pathogen Recognition: RLPs can recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and initiate defense responses. They play a role in the plant's innate immune system by detecting conserved molecules present in pathogens, such as bacterial flagellin or fungal chitin. Upon recognition, RLPs can activate defense signaling pathways and trigger immune responses to protect the plant from pathogen invasion. 2) Abiotic Stress Response: RLPs are implicated in plant responses to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. They can perceive and respond to specific stress signals, leading to the activation of stress-responsive genes and the modulation of physiological processes to enhance plant tolerance to these stresses. 3) Developmental Processes: RLPs are involved in various aspects of plant development, including embryogenesis, organ formation, and tissue differentiation. They regulate processes such as cell division, cell elongation, and cell differentiation, contributing to the overall growth and development of the plant. 4) Hormone Signaling: RLPs can interact with and modulate hormone signaling pathways in plants. They may act as co-receptors or regulators of hormone receptors, influencing hormone perception and downstream signaling events. This involvement in hormone signaling can impact plant growth, development, and responses to environmental cues. 5) Symbiotic Interactions: Some RLPs are involved in symbiotic interactions between plants and beneficial microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi or nitrogen-fixing bacteria. They play a role in the recognition and establishment of these symbiotic associations, facilitating nutrient exchange and enhancing plant growth and nutrient acquisition. It's important to note that the specific functions and mechanisms of RLPs are still being actively researched, and there may be additional roles and complexities associated with this class of proteins.
5. The CNL (CC-NBS-LRR) class of plant immune receptors is a subclass of nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) proteins that play a crucial role in plant defense against pathogens. CNL receptors are characterized by their domain structure, which includes a coiled-coil (CC) domain, a nucleotide-binding site (NBS), and a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain. The CC domain is involved in protein-protein interactions and can mediate the formation of protein complexes involved in signaling. The NBS domain binds and hydrolyzes ATP, providing energy for the signaling process. The LRR domain is responsible for pathogen recognition and specificity. The main function of CNL receptors is to detect specific pathogen effectors, which are proteins secreted by pathogens to suppress or manipulate the plant's immune response. When a CNL receptor recognizes a pathogen effector, it triggers a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of defense responses, such as the production of antimicrobial compounds, reinforcement of the cell wall, and activation of defense-related genes. CNL receptors are part of the plant immune system's first line of defense, known as the effector-triggered immunity (ETI) response. ETI is a rapid and robust defense response that is activated when a plant recognizes a specific pathogen effector. This response often leads to localized cell death, known as the hypersensitive response (HR), which restricts the pathogen's spread. It's important to note that CNL receptors are just one class of immune receptors in plants, and there are other classes, such as the TNL (TIR-NBS-LRR) and RLK (receptor-like kinase) classes, that also play important roles in plant defense. The diversity of immune receptors in plants allows for the recognition of a wide range of pathogens and contributes to the plant's ability to mount effective defense responses.
6. The N class of plant immune receptors, also known as NLRs (Nucleotide-binding domain and Leucine-rich Repeat-containing proteins), plays a crucial role in plant defense against pathogens. NLRs are involved in the recognition of pathogen-derived molecules, known as effectors, and initiate defense responses to combat the invading pathogens. The NLR proteins consist of three main domains: a central nucleotide-binding domain (NBD), a C-terminal leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain, and an N-terminal domain that can vary in structure and function. The NBD domain is responsible for binding and hydrolyzing nucleotides, such as ATP, which provides energy for the signaling process. The LRR domain is involved in pathogen recognition and specificity. The main function of NLRs is to detect the presence of specific pathogen effectors and activate defense responses. When an NLR recognizes a pathogen effector, it undergoes a conformational change and forms a signaling complex, leading to the activation of downstream defense signaling pathways. This activation triggers a rapid and robust immune response, including the production of antimicrobial compounds, reinforcement of the cell wall, and activation of defense-related genes. The NLR-mediated defense response is known as effector-triggered immunity (ETI) and is often associated with a localized cell death response called the hypersensitive response (HR). The HR restricts the spread of the pathogen and helps to contain the infection. It's important to note that the N class of immune receptors is just one class of NLRs in plants, and there are other classes, such as the TNL (TIR-NBS-LRR) and CNL (CC-NBS-LRR) classes, that also play important roles in plant defense. The diversity of NLRs in plants allows for the recognition of a wide range of pathogens and contributes to the overall defense capabilities of plants.
7. The CN class of plant immune receptors, also known as CNLs (Coiled-coil Nucleotide-binding Leucine-rich Repeat-containing proteins), is a subclass of NLRs (Nucleotide-binding domain and Leucine-rich Repeat-containing proteins). CNLs play a crucial role in plant defense against pathogens by recognizing specific pathogen effectors and initiating defense responses. The CNL receptors have a coiled-coil domain, a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD), and a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain. The coiled-coil domain is involved in protein-protein interactions, while the NBD binds and hydrolyzes ATP, providing energy for the signaling process. The LRR domain is responsible for pathogen effector recognition and specificity. When a CNL receptor recognizes a pathogen effector, it triggers a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of defense responses. This activation includes the production of antimicrobial compounds, reinforcement of the cell wall, and activation of defense-related genes. The CNL-mediated defense response is part of the plant immune system's effector-triggered immunity (ETI) response, which is a rapid and robust defense mechanism against pathogens. It's important to note that CNL receptors are just one class of immune receptors in plants, and there are other classes, such as the TNL (TIR-NBS-LRR) and RLK (Receptor-Like Kinase) classes, that also play important roles in plant defense. The diversity of immune receptors in plants allows for the recognition of a wide range of pathogens and contributes to the overall defense capabilities of plants.
8. The TN class of plant immune receptors, also known as TNLs (TIR-NBS-LRR), is a subclass of NLRs (Nucleotide-binding domain and Leucine-rich Repeat-containing proteins). TNL receptors play a crucial role in plant defense against pathogens by recognizing specific pathogen effectors and initiating defense responses. TNL receptors have a Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain, a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD), and a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain. The TIR domain is responsible for initiating downstream signaling upon pathogen effector recognition, while the NBD binds and hydrolyzes ATP, providing energy for the signaling process. The LRR domain is involved in pathogen effector recognition and specificity. When a TNL receptor recognizes a pathogen effector, it triggers a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of defense responses. This activation includes the production of antimicrobial compounds, reinforcement of the cell wall, and activation of defense-related genes. The TNL-mediated defense response is part of the plant immune system's effector-triggered immunity (ETI) response, which is a rapid and robust defense mechanism against pathogens. It's important to note that TNL receptors are just one class of immune receptors in plants, and there are other classes, such as the CNL (Coiled-coil Nucleotide-binding Leucine-rich Repeat-containing proteins) and RLK (Receptor-Like Kinase) classes, that also play important roles in plant defense. The diversity of immune receptors in plants allows for the recognition of a wide range of pathogens and contributes to the overall defense capabilities of plants.
9. The CLK (Cdc2-like kinase) class of proteins is a group of serine/threonine kinases that play important roles in regulating various cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, RNA splicing, and gene expression. CLKs are conserved across eukaryotes and have been extensively studied in animals, including humans, as well as in plants. In plants, CLKs have been implicated in the regulation of alternative splicing, which is a process that generates multiple mRNA isoforms from a single gene. Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in expanding the proteome diversity and regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental cues. CLKs phosphorylate splicing factors, such as SR proteins, which are involved in splice site selection and exon definition, thereby influencing the splicing outcome of specific genes. Studies have shown that CLKs can modulate the splicing patterns of genes involved in various plant processes, including flowering time regulation, stress responses, and hormone signaling. For example, in Arabidopsis thaliana, the CLK protein SKIP interacts with the flowering time regulator FLOWERING LOCUS M (FLM) and affects its alternative splicing, thereby influencing the timing of flowering. Furthermore, CLKs have also been implicated in plant defense responses against pathogens. In Arabidopsis, the CLK protein SR45 has been shown to regulate the alternative splicing of defense-related genes, including those involved in pathogen recognition and signaling. This suggests that CLK-mediated alternative splicing plays a role in fine-tuning the plant immune response. Overall, the CLK class of proteins in plants is involved in the regulation of alternative splicing, which in turn influences various cellular processes, including development, stress responses, and defense against pathogens.
10. The CK (Cytokinin) class refers to a group of plant hormones known as cytokinins. Cytokinins play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in plants, including cell division, shoot and root growth, leaf senescence, and nutrient uptake. They are involved in plant development, flowering, and responses to environmental stimuli. The main function of cytokinins is to promote cell division and growth in plants. They stimulate the proliferation of cells in the meristematic tissues, which are regions of active cell division. This leads to the formation of new shoots, roots, and leaves. Cytokinins also play a role in the differentiation of cells into specific cell types. In addition to their role in growth and development, cytokinins are involved in plant responses to environmental cues. They help regulate responses to stress conditions, such as drought, salinity, and nutrient deficiency. Cytokinins can enhance the tolerance of plants to these stresses by promoting root growth, regulating stomatal closure, and activating stress-responsive genes. Overall, the CK class of cytokinins plays a vital role in plant growth, development, and stress responses by regulating cell division, differentiation, and various physiological processes.