The role of phosphoinositides and inositol phosphates in plant cell signaling

Abstract

Work over the recent years has greatly expanded our understanding of the specific molecules involved in plant phosphoinositide signaling. Physiological approaches, combined with analytical techniques and genetic mutants have provided tools to understand how individual genes function in this pathway. Several key differences between plants and animals have become apparent. This chapter will highlight the key areas where major differences between plants and animals occur. In particular, phospholipase C and levels of phosphatidylinositol phosphates differ between plants and animals, and may influence how inositol second messengers form and function in plants. Whether inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and/or inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) function as second messengers in plants is discussed. Recent data on potential, novel roles of InsP6 in plants is considered, along with the existence of a unique InsP6 synthesis pathway. Lastly, the complexity of myo-inositol synthesis in plants is discussed in reference to synthesis of phosphoinositides and impact on plant growth and development. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.