Integrin-like proteins in plants, such as the Arabidopsis NDR1, play critical roles in pathogen perception and defense signaling. Here's a summary of their functions:
Plasma Membrane-Cell Wall Adhesion: Integrin-like proteins mediate adhesion between the plasma membrane and the cell wall, which is crucial for maintaining cellular integrity during pathogen attack.
Regulation of Fluid Movement: They help regulate fluid movement in response to pathogen infections, which is essential for controlling pathogen spread and initiating defense responses.
Perception of Mechanical Stimuli: These proteins are involved in sensing mechanical changes in the cell caused by pathogen invasion, triggering downstream defense signaling pathways.
Role in Immune Signaling: They are part of immune signaling cascades that lead to the activation of plant defense mechanisms (Source).
These functions make integrin-like proteins important for the innate immune responses in plants, aiding in the detection and response to a variety of pathogens.