Plasma membrane H+-ATPase in plants

The plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPases are trans-membrane proteins, specifically present in plants and fungi. They build and maintain a steep proton gradient across the cell membrane required for the transport of ions and metabolites. The generated proton gradient is important for cell expansion as well as controls various physiological processes like stomatal functioning. The PM H+-ATPase is encoded by a multigene family that show tissue and developmental stage-specific expression. It belongs to a class of P-type ATPases and hence share a similar general mechanism of action but differs in its regulatory mechanisms. It also plays a significant role in governing various stress responses. In this chapter, recent advances in the field including structure, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional regulation along with the function of PM H+-ATPase are discussed. The role of PM H+-ATPase in mediating environmental stress response is also the focus of this chapter.