The role of phospholipase D in plant stress responses

Phospholipase D (PLD) has been implicated in multiple plant stress responses. Its gene transcription and activity increase upon exposure to various stresses, and manipulation of PLD protein levels leads to altered stress tolerance. The plant PLD family is relatively large and heterogeneous, and different PLD isoforms are involved in separate stress responses. PLD and its product, phosphatidic acid, exert their effects by functioning in signal transduction cascades and by influencing the biophysical state of lipid membranes.