Multiple forms of secretory phospholipase A(2) in plants

Abstract

Multiple secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) genes have been identified in plants and encode isoforms with distinct regulatory and catalytic properties. Elucidation of this genetic and biochemical heterogeneity has provided important clues to the regulation and function of the individual enzymes. An increasing body of evidence shows that their lipid products, lysophospholipids and free fatty acids, mediate a variety of cellular responses, including plant growth, development, and responses to stress and defense. This review discusses the newly-acquired information on plant sPLA(2)s including the molecular and biochemical characteristics, and signaling functions of each isoform. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.