The function of calreticulin in plant immunity: New discoveries for an old protein |
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Authors: | Yongjian Qiu Jing Xi Liqun Du B.W. Poovaiah |
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Affiliation: | 1.Department of Horticulture; Washington State University; Pullman, WA USA;2.College of Life and Environmental Sciences; Hangzhou Normal University; Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China |
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Abstract: | Since its initial discovery as a high affinity Ca2+-binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), calreticulin (CRT) has been documented to be a multifunctional protein in both animal and plant cells. This protein is well recognized as a Ca2+-binding molecular chaperone that facilitates the folding of newly synthesized glycoproteins and regulates the Ca2+ homeostasis in the ER lumen. However, functional relevance associated with its localization in other cellular compartments has also been reported. Recent studies suggest that both isoforms of plant CRTs (AtCRT1/2 and AtCRT3) are involved in regulating plant defense against biotrophic pathogens. Here we discuss the cellular functions of CRT and its connection to the emerging functions of AtCRTs in plant immunity. |
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Keywords: | Pseudomonas syringae ER retention signal calcium binding calreticulin molecular chaperone plant immunity salicylic acid |
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