Development and cell death domain-containing asparagine-rich protein (DCD/NRP): an essential protein in plant development and stress responses

Plants have evolved intriguing mechanisms to cope with environmental changes and developmental signals. These mechanisms are responsible for modulating the global gene expression in the cell and promoting a precise adjustment. The signaling pathways do not operate separately but display a complex network implicating the whole cell. The development and cell death (DCD) domain-containing asparagine-rich protein (NRP) plays a role in different stresses and developmental conditions; thereby, is considered an essential gene for plant adaptation and growth. The molecular functions of DCD/NRPs are not well characterized; however, they have been shown to be differentially expressed upon abiotic, biotic and developmental conditions. The evolution of omics approaches has generated data, which can be used to understand the function of NRPs and how they operate in different pathways. Using microarray and co-expression data, we identified that the expression of DCD/NRPs is strongly related to ER stress, ABA signaling, and the heterotrimeric G protein signaling. Interestingly, the involved pathways are also associated with plant development. Thus, NRPs may be a key factor in stress and developmental signaling.