Recent advances in plant MAP kinase signalling

Mitogen activated protein kinases; (MAPK) are important mediators in signal transmission, connecting the perception of external stimuli to cellular re sponses. MAPK cascades are involved in signalling various biotic and abioti c stresses, like wounding and pathogen infection, temperature stress or dro ught, but are also involved in mediating the action of some plant hormones, such as ethylene and auxin. Moreover, MAPKs have been implicated in cell c ycle and developmental processes. In Arabidopsis mutant screens and in vivo assays several components of plant MAPK cascades have been identified. Thi s review gives an update of recent advances in plant MAPK signalling and di scusses the emerging mechanisms of some selected MAPK pathways.