Phospholipid-derived signaling mediated by phospholipase A in plants

Evidence is rapidly mounting that phospholipid-derived molecules act as secondary signal messengers in plant signaling. Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of phospholipase A (PLA) signaling in plant growth and development, and abiotic and biotic stress responses. The PLA superfamily includes a broad range of enzymes defined by their ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of the ester bonds of their substrate phospholipids. The hydrolysis products of these reactions (free fatty acids and lysophospholipids) have recently been found to perform many important roles. Here, I describe the current classification of various PLAs that have been identified in plants, including Arabidopsis, and recent advances in our understanding of how these PLAs are involved in various cellular signaling pathways.