The Role of Small Peptide Signals in Regulating Plant Reproductive Development

Plant reproductive development is a key stage in the plant life cycle, with small peptides serving as crucial signaling molecules that play a key regulatory role. During sexual reproduction, small peptides regulate various processes, including floral organ formation, pollination, fertilization, and seed development. For instance, small peptides from the CLV3/ESR-related (CLE) family regulate stem cell proliferation, precisely controlling the morphogenesis of floral organs; RALF family peptides mediate the signaling between pollen tubes and the pistil, ensuring accurate fertilization; and EPF/EPFL family peptides are involved in regulating ovule development and fruit maturation. In asexual reproduction, the MpCLE1 peptide in Marchantia is involved in gametophyte development, while vvi-miPEP171d1 peptides in grapevines promote adventitious root formation. Small peptide signaling relies on specific interactions with receptor kinases and co-receptors, exhibiting complex patterns such as “multiple ligands - single receptor”, “single ligand - multiple receptors”, and co-receptor integration across multiple pathways. However, current research still faces significant limitations, including the large number of functionally uncharacterized small peptides and unclear mechanisms in the upstream and downstream signaling pathways. Future research should employ advanced technologies to further elucidate the mechanisms of small peptide action and explore their potential applications in crop breeding and agricultural production.