Receptor-like Kinases in Crop Breeding: Potentials and Challenges

Plant receptor-like kinases (RLKs) constitute one of the largest and most ancient protein families in land plants. Localized on the plasma membrane, they perceive a diverse array of extracellular signals and coordinate intracellular responses that are crucial for plant growth, development, immunity, and adaptation to environmental changes. Over the past two decades, there has been an explosive expansion of knowledge regarding how RLKs govern virtually every aspect of plant life. Crucially, this knowledge has been translated into practical applications for crop improvement. Here, we summarize the conspicuous triumphs of RLK-mediated strategies in improving plant architecture and yield, enhancing biotic stress resistance against insect herbivores and microbial pathogens, as well as bolstering abiotic stress tolerance to heat, cold, drought, and salinity. We also discuss how RLKs have been utilized as precision molecular targets through genome editing, promoter engineering, and other biotechnological approaches, offering a roadmap for sustainable crop improvement.