RAF-Like Protein Kinases in Plants

作者：Pengcheng Wang, Junwei Zhu, Zhen Lin · 发表于：Annual Review of Plant Biology · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1146/annurev-arplant-070225-043435 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity、Melanoma and MAPK Pathways、Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Disease

RAF-like protein kinases constitute a major subclass of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAPKKKs) in plants and function as critical regulators of stress and hormone signaling pathways. Unlike their animal counterparts, plant RAF kinases show extensive expansion and diversification, with distinct subgroups (B and C) exhibiting both conserved and specialized functions. Recent studies have unveiled their pivotal roles in sensing environmental stresses, such as hyperosmotic stress and elevated CO 2 , as well as in mediating hormonal responses, including those to abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, and auxin. RAFs also participate in guard cell signaling, immune responses, and developmental processes, integrating diverse external and internal cues. This review summarizes the current knowledge of plant RAF kinases, emphasizing their functional diversity, mechanisms of activation, and physiological relevance in plant adaptation.