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Calcium-permeable channels in plant cells.
Fabien Jammes1, Heng-Cheng Hu, Florent Villiers
1Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA. fjammes@umd.edu
The FEBS Journal
|September 30, 2011
Summary
Plants use calcium signaling to respond to their environment. This review highlights recent findings on the molecular identity and function of key calcium channels involved in plant cell signaling.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Cellular signaling
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Calcium signal transduction is crucial for plants to perceive and react to internal and external cues.
- Cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) elevation occurs through plasma membrane influx and intracellular store release.
- Plant calcium channels are vital for environmental interactions and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding plant calcium channels.
- To elucidate the molecular identity and physiological roles of key Ca2+ channels.
- To discuss the regulation and functions of these channels in plant signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on recent findings.
- Analysis of identified calcium channel families: cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, glutamate receptor homologs, two-pore channels, and mechanosensitive channels.
- Synthesis of information on channel regulation and physiological roles.
Main Results:
- Recent research has identified the molecular basis of several plant calcium channels.
- These channels play significant roles in various physiological processes.
- Understanding their regulation provides insight into plant responses.
Conclusions:
- Plant calcium channels are diverse and essential for mediating calcium signals.
- Further research is needed to fully understand their complex roles and regulation.
- Continued investigation will advance our knowledge of plant environmental sensing and development.
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