Abstract.
Genes encoding two novel members of the leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK) superfamily have been isolated from maize (Zea mays L.). These genes have been named ZmSERK1 and ZmSERK2 since features such as a putative leucine zipper (ZIP) and five leucine rich repeats in the extracellular domain, a proline-rich region (SPP) just upstream of the transmembrane domain and a C-terminal extension (C) after the kinase domain identify them as members of the SERK (omatic mbryogenesis eceptor-like inase) family. ZmSERK1 and ZmSERK2 are single-copy genes and show 79% identity among each other in their nucleotide sequences. They share a conserved intron/exon structure with other members of the SERK family. In the maize genome, ZmSERK1 maps to position 76.9 on chromosome arm 10L and ZmSERK2 to position 143.5 on chromosome arm 5L, in regions generally not involved in duplications. ZmSERK1 is preferentially expressed in male and female reproductive tissues with strongest expression in microspores. In contrast, ZmSERK2 expression is relatively uniform in all tissues investigated. Both genes are expressed in embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus cultures.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 20 June 2000 / Accepted: 25 September 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Baudino, S., Hansen, S., Brettschneider, R. et al. Molecular characterisation of two novel maize LRR receptor-like kinases, which belong to the SERK gene family. Planta 213, 1–10 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004250000471
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004250000471