The TOR complex and signaling pathway in plants
Résumé
The mechanisms of plant growth and development are specific and have been shaped by their evolution as immobile, autotrophic and multicellular organisms. Indeed, plant growth is highly plastic, relatively undetermined, and strongly influenced by external conditions. Signaling pathways must therefore constantly link environmental inputs to growth and development. Among the known eukaryotic pathways, target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling, a central component of the perception and transduction of exogenous signals, has been shown to link cell and organism growth to the environment. But little is so far known on this signaling pathway in photosynthetic organisms. In this review, we summarize recent studies that address the nature of TOR complexes and signaling in plants, highlighting similarities and differences with respect to other eukaryotic kingdoms.