Feronia: A Malectin-Like Domain-Containing Receptor Kinase in Arabidopsis Thaliana Insights into Polarized Cell Growth, Pollen Tube-Pistil Interactions, and Sugar Signaling

The dissertation explored the role of FERONIA (FER), a receptor kinase in Arabidopsis thaliana, in regulating various plant functions. FER was identified as an upstream regulator of RopGEF1, influencing RAC/ROP-mediated signal transduction crucial for auxin-regulated root hair growth and other auxin-dependent responses. FER was also shown to mediate reactive oxygen species production necessary for pollen tube rupture and facilitate pectin deposition to prevent polyspermy. Additionally, FER's carbohydrate-binding domains were linked to sugar sensing and signaling, with feronia mutants displaying hypersensitivity to sucrose, altered carbohydrate distribution, and increased stress responses. These findings highlighted FER's role in coordinating RAC/ROP signaling, pollen tube reception, cell wall integrity, and sugar signaling in plants.