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Extracellular ATP signaling in plants
Kiwamu Tanaka1, Simon Gilroy, Alan M Jones
1Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
Trends in Cell Biology
|September 7, 2010
Summary
Extracellular adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) signaling occurs in both plants and animals. This review compares purinergic signaling mechanisms, aiding understanding of plant physiology and eukaryotic extracellular ATP signaling fundamentals.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Animal Biology
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- Extracellular adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) triggers cellular responses in both plants and animals.
- Purinergic signaling components differ between animal and plant cells.
- Despite molecular differences, some cellular responses like increased calcium, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are conserved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast purinergic signaling mechanisms in animal and plant cells.
- To enhance the understanding of plant physiology.
- To elucidate the fundamental principles of extracellular ATP signaling in eukaryotes.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of purinergic signaling pathways.
- Literature review of existing research on plant and animal purinergic signaling.
- Identification of conserved and divergent molecular components and cellular responses.
Main Results:
- Animal cells possess well-defined purinergic signaling machinery.
- Plant cells show similarities in cellular responses to extracellular ATP despite lacking some canonical animal purinergic receptors.
- Conserved responses include elevated cytosolic free calcium, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Conclusions:
- Extracellular ATP is a conserved signaling molecule across eukaryotes.
- Understanding plant purinergic signaling offers insights into fundamental eukaryotic mechanisms.
- Further research can bridge the gap in knowledge regarding plant-specific purinergic signaling components.
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