Calreticulin and the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Plant Cell Biology

Abstract

Calreticulin is ubiquitously expressed in plants. The plant homologue shares with its animal counterpart a similar structural organization and basic functioning. A wide range of developmental and environmental stimuli differentially affect the expression of calreticulin in plant cells, highlighting its importance in cell physiology. Nevertheless, current knowledge on calreticulin's relevance in plant physiology is rather limited compared with animal systems. The contribution of the endoplasmic reticulum to Ca homeostasis and signalling, and the multifunctional role of calreticulin in plant cellular events are rapidly emerging areas of study in plant biology.