Biosynthesis of sphingolipids in plants (and some of their functions)

Abstract

Our knowledge of plant sphingolipid metabolism and function has significantly increased over the past years. This applies mainly to the identification and the functional characterization of genes and enzymes involved in sphingolipid biosynthesis. In addition a number of plant mutants have provided new insights into sphingolipid functions. Very little is still known about intracellular transport, spatial distribution, degradation and signaling functions of sphingolipids. However, combination of Arabidopsis genetics with lipidomics and cell biology will soon bring our understanding of these issues to a new level. © 2010 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media.