LePLDbeta1 activation and relocalization in suspension-cultured tomato cells treated with xylanase

Genome-Wide Investigation of the PLD Gene Family in Tomato: Identification, Analysis, and Expression

Phospholipase Ds (PLDs) are important phospholipid hydrolases in plants that play crucial roles in the regulation of plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. In this study, 14 PLD genes were identified in the tomato genome and were localized on eight chromosomes, and one tandem-duplicated gene pair was identified. According to a phylogenetic analysis, the genes were categorized into four subtypes: SlPLDα, β, and δ belonged to the C2-PLD subfamily, while SlPLDζ belonged to the PXPH-PLD subfamily. The gene structure and protein physicochemical properties were highly conserved within the same subtype. The promoter of all the SlPLD genes contained hormone-, light-, and stress-responsive cis-acting regulatory elements, but no significant correlation between the number, distribution, and type of cis-acting elements was observed among the members of the same subtype. Transcriptome data showed that the expression of the SlPLD genes was different in multiple tissues. A quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the SlPLD genes responded positively to cold, salt, drought, and abscisic acid treatments, particularly to salt stress. Different expression patterns were observed for different genes under the same stress, and for the same gene under different stresses. The results provide important insights into the functions of SlPLD genes and lay a foundation for further studies of the response of SlPLD genes to abiotic stresses.

The wide world of non-mammalian phospholipase D enzymes

Phospholipase D (PLD) hydrolyses phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) to produce free choline and the critically important lipid signaling molecule phosphatidic acid (PtdOH). Since the initial discovery of PLD activities in plants and bacteria, PLDs have been identified in a diverse range of organisms spanning the taxa. While widespread interest in these proteins grew following the discovery of mammalian isoforms, research into the PLDs of non-mammalian organisms has revealed a fascinating array of functions ranging from roles in microbial pathogenesis, to the stress responses of plants and the developmental patterning of flies. Furthermore, studies in non-mammalian model systems have aided our understanding of the entire PLD superfamily, with translational relevance to human biology and health. Increasingly, the promise for utilization of non-mammalian PLDs in biotechnology is also being recognized, with widespread potential applications ranging from roles in lipid synthesis, to their exploitation for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications.

Jasmonate-Dependent Response of the Flower Abscission Zone Cells to Drought in Yellow Lupine

Lipid membranes, as primary places of the perception of environmental stimuli, are a source of various oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids-oxylipins-functioning as modulators of many signal transduction pathways, e.g., phytohormonal. Among exogenous factors acting on plant cells, special attention is given to drought, especially in highly sensitive crop species, such as yellow lupine. Here, we used this species to analyze the contribution of lipid-related enzymes and lipid-derived plant hormones in drought-evoked events taking place in a specialized group of cells-the flower abscission zone (AZ)-which is responsible for organ detachment from the plant body. We revealed that water deficits in the soil causes lipid peroxidation in these cells and the upregulation of phospholipase D, lipoxygenase, and, concomitantly, jasmonic acid (JA) strongly accumulates in AZ tissue. Furthermore, we followed key steps in JA conjugation and signaling under stressful conditions by monitoring the level and tissue localization of enzyme providing JA derivatives (JASMONATE RESISTANT1) and the JA receptor (CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1). Collectively, drought-triggered AZ activation during the process of flower abscission is closely associated with the lipid modifications, leading to the formation of JA, its conjugation, and induction of signaling pathways.

Deciphering the Genome-Wide Transcriptomic Changes during Interactions of Resistant and Susceptible Genotypes of American Elm with Ophiostoma novo-ulmi

Dutch elm disease (DED), caused by Ophiostoma novo-ulmi (Onu), is a destructive disease of American elm (Ulmus americana L.). The molecular mechanisms of resistance and susceptibility against DED in American elm are still largely uncharacterized. In the present study, we performed a de novo transcriptome (RNA-sequencing; RNA-Seq) assembly of U. americana and compared the gene expression in a resistant genotype, 'Valley Forge', and a susceptible (S) elm genotype at 0 and 96 h post-inoculation of Onu. A total of 85,863 non-redundant unigenes were identified. Compared to the previously characterized U. minor transcriptome, U. americana has 35,290 similar and 55,499 unique genes. The transcriptomic variations between 'Valley Forge' and 'S' were found primarily in the photosynthesis and primary metabolism, which were highly upregulated in the susceptible genotype irrespective of the Onu inoculation. The resistance to DED was associated with the activation of RPM1-mediated effector-triggered immunity that was demonstrated by the upregulation of genes involved in the phenylpropanoids biosynthesis and PR genes. The most significantly enriched gene ontology (GO) terms in response to Onu were response to stimulus (GO:0006950), response to stress (GO:0050896), and secondary metabolic process (GO:0008152) in both genotypes. However, only in the resistant genotype, the defense response (GO:0006952) was among the topmost significantly enriched GO terms. Our findings revealed the molecular regulations of DED resistance and susceptibility and provide a platform for marker-assisted breeding of resistant American elm genotypes.

Phospholipase Ds in plants: Their role in pathogenic and symbiotic interactions

Phospholipase Ds (PLDs) are a heterogeneous group of enzymes that are widely distributed in organisms. These enzymes hydrolyze the structural phospholipids of the plasma membrane, releasing phosphatidic acid (PA), an important secondary messenger. Plant PLDs play essential roles in several biological processes, including growth and development, abiotic stress responses, and plant-microbe interactions. Although the roles of PLDs in plant-pathogen interactions have been extensively studied, their roles in symbiotic relationships are not well understood. The establishment of the best-studied symbiotic interactions, those between legumes and rhizobia and between most plants and mycorrhizae, requires the regulation of several physiological, cellular, and molecular processes. The roles of PLDs in hormonal signaling, lipid metabolism, and cytoskeletal dynamics during rhizobial symbiosis were recently explored. However, to date, the roles of PLDs in mycorrhizal symbiosis have not been reported. Here, we present a critical review of the participation of PLDs in the interactions of plants with pathogens, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We describe how PLDs regulate rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbiosis by modulating reactive oxygen species levels, hormonal signaling, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and G-protein activity.

Envisioning the immune interactome in Arabidopsis

During plant-pathogen interaction, immune targets were regulated by protein-protein interaction events such as ligand-receptor/co-receptor, kinase-substrate, protein sequestration, activation or repression via post-translational modification and homo/oligo/hetro-dimerisation of proteins. A judicious use of molecular machinery requires coordinated protein interaction among defence components. Immune signalling in Arabidopsis can be broadly represented in successive or simultaneous steps; pathogen recognition at cell surface, Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species signalling, MAPK signalling, post-translational modification, transcriptional regulation and phyto-hormone signalling. Proteome wide interaction studies have shown the existence of interaction hubs associated with physiological function. So far, a number of protein interaction events regulating immune targets have been identified, but their understanding in an interactome view is lacking. We focussed specifically on the integration of protein interaction signalling in context to plant-pathogenesis and identified the key targets. The present review focuses towards a comprehensive view of the plant immune interactome including signal perception, progression, integration and physiological response during plant pathogen interaction.

Lipases associated with plant defense against pathogens

When facing microbe invaders, plants activate genetic and metabolic defense mechanisms and undergo extracellular and intracellular changes to obtain a certain level of host resistance. Dynamic adjustment and adaptation occur in structures containing lipophilic compounds and cellular metabolites. Lipids encompassing fatty acids, fatty acid-based polymers, and fatty acid derivatives are part of the fundamental architecture of cells and tissues and are essential compounds in numerous biological processes. Lipid-associated plant defense responses are mostly facilitated by the activation of lipases (lipid hydrolyzing proteins), which cleave or transform lipid substrates in various subcellular compartments. In this review, several types of plant defense-associated lipases are described, including their molecular aspects, enzymatic actions, cellular functions, and possible functional relevance in plant defense. Defensive roles are discussed considering enzyme properties, lipid metabolism, downstream regulation, and phenotypic traits in loss-of-function mutants.

Study of the Involvement of Phosphatidic Acid Formation in the Expression of Wound-Responsive Genes in Cotton

Plants use phospholipase D (PLD, EC 3.1.4.4)/phosphatidic acid (PtdOH) for the transduction of environmental signals including those coming from wounding. Based on our previous findings suggesting that wound-induced PLDα-derived PtdOH can act as a local signaling molecule in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), we show that wounding immediately increases local NADPH oxidase (NADPHox) and cellulose synthase A (CeSA) gene expression. After developing a novel fluorimetric assay for the investigation of n-butanol inhibitory effect on PLD activity, we show that only NADPHox gene upregulation is reduced when n-butanol is applied prior to wounding. This suggests that NADPHox is a possible downstream target of PLD function, while a different CeSA-involving response system may exist in cotton. Overall, this study provides new knowledge on signal-transduction mechanisms following wounding of cotton leaves.

Understanding Cytoskeletal Dynamics During the Plant Immune Response

The plant cytoskeleton is a dynamic framework of cytoplasmic filaments that rearranges as the needs of the cell change during growth and development. Incessant turnover mechanisms allow these networks to be rapidly redeployed in defense of host cytoplasm against microbial invaders. Both chemical and mechanical stimuli are recognized as danger signals to the plant, and these are perceived and transduced into cytoskeletal dynamics and architecture changes through a collection of well-recognized, previously characterized players. Recent advances in quantitative cell biology approaches, along with the powerful molecular genetics techniques associated with Arabidopsis, have uncovered two actin-binding proteins as key intermediaries in the immune response to phytopathogens and defense signaling. Certain bacterial phytopathogens have adapted to the cytoskeletal-based defense mechanism during the basal immune response and have evolved effector proteins that target actin filaments and microtubules to subvert transcriptional reprogramming, secretion of defense-related proteins, and cell wall-based defenses. In this review, we describe current knowledge about host cytoskeletal dynamics operating at the crossroads of the molecular and cellular arms race between microbes and plants.

The sesquiterpene botrydial from Botrytis cinerea induces phosphatidic acid production in tomato cell suspensions

The phytotoxin botrydial triggers PA production in tomato cell suspensions via PLD and PLC/DGK activation. PLC/DGK-derived PA is partially required for botrydial-induced ROS generation. Phosphatidic acid (PA) is a phospholipid second messenger involved in the induction of plant defense responses. It is generated via two distinct enzymatic pathways, either via phospholipase D (PLD) or by the sequential action of phospholipase C and diacylglycerol kinase (PLC/DGK). Botrydial is a phytotoxic sesquiterpene generated by the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea that induces diverse plant defense responses, such as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we analyzed PA and ROS production and their interplay upon botrydial treatments, employing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cell suspensions as a model system. Botrydial induces PA production within minutes via PLD and PLC/DGK. Either inhibition of PLC or DGK diminishes ROS generation triggered by botrydial. This indicates that PLC/DGK is upstream of ROS production. In tomato, PLC is encoded by a multigene family constituted by SlPLC1-SlPLC6 and the pseudogene SlPLC7. We have shown that SlPLC2-silenced plants have reduced susceptibility to B. cinerea. In this work, we studied the role of SlPLC2 on botrydial-induced PA production by silencing the expression of SlPLC2 via a specific artificial microRNA. Upon botrydial treatments, SlPLC2-silenced-cell suspensions produce PA levels similar to wild-type cells. It can be concluded that PA is a novel component of the plant responses triggered by botrydial.

Host Pah1p phosphatidate phosphatase limits viral replication by regulating phospholipid synthesis

Replication of positive-strand RNA viruses [(+)RNA viruses] takes place in membrane-bound viral replication complexes (VRCs). Formation of VRCs requires virus-mediated manipulation of cellular lipid synthesis. Here, we report significantly enhanced brome mosaic virus (BMV) replication and much improved cell growth in yeast cells lacking PAH1 (pah1Δ), the sole yeast ortholog of human LIPIN genes. PAH1 encodes Pah1p (phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase), which converts phosphatidate (PA) to diacylglycerol that is subsequently used for the synthesis of the storage lipid triacylglycerol. Inactivation of Pah1p leads to altered lipid composition, including high levels of PA, total phospholipids, ergosterol ester, and free fatty acids, as well as expansion of the nuclear membrane. In pah1Δ cells, BMV replication protein 1a and double-stranded RNA localized to the extended nuclear membrane, there was a significant increase in the number of VRCs formed, and BMV genomic replication increased by 2-fold compared to wild-type cells. In another yeast mutant that lacks both PAH1 and DGK1 (encodes diacylglycerol kinase converting diacylglycerol to PA), which has a normal nuclear membrane but maintains similar lipid compositional changes as in pah1Δ cells, BMV replicated as efficiently as in pah1Δ cells, suggesting that the altered lipid composition was responsible for the enhanced BMV replication. We further showed that increased levels of total phospholipids play an important role because the enhanced BMV replication required active synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the major membrane phospholipid. Moreover, overexpression of a phosphatidylcholine synthesis gene (CHO2) promoted BMV replication. Conversely, overexpression of PAH1 or plant PAH1 orthologs inhibited BMV replication in yeast or Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Competing with its host for limited resources, BMV inhibited host growth, which was markedly alleviated in pah1Δ cells. Our work suggests that Pah1p promotes storage lipid synthesis and thus represses phospholipid synthesis, which in turn restricts both viral replication and cell growth during viral infection.

'Bending' models of halotropism: incorporating protein phosphatase 2A, ABCB transporters, and auxin metabolism

Salt stress causes worldwide reductions in agricultural yields, a problem that is exacerbated by the depletion of global freshwater reserves and the use of contaminated or recycled water (i.e. effluent water). Additionally, salt stress can occur as cultivated areas are subjected to frequent rounds of irrigation followed by periods of moderate to severe evapotranspiration, which can result in the heterogeneous aggregation of salts in agricultural soils. Our understanding of the later stages of salt stress and the mechanisms by which salt is transported out of cells and roots has greatly improved over the last decade. The precise mechanisms by which plant roots perceive salt stress and translate this perception into adaptive, directional growth away from increased salt concentrations (i.e. halotropism), however, are not well understood. Here, we provide a review of the current knowledge surrounding the early responses to salt stress and the initiation of halotropism, including lipid signaling, protein phosphorylation cascades, and changes in auxin metabolism and/or transport. Current models of halotropism have focused on the role of PIN2- and PIN1-mediated auxin efflux in initiating and controlling halotropism. Recent studies, however, suggest that additional factors such as ABCB transporters, protein phosphatase 2A activity, and auxin metabolism should be included in the model of halotropic growth.

Diacylglycerol kinases activate tobacco NADPH oxidase-dependent oxidative burst in response to cryptogein

Cryptogein is a 10 kDa protein secreted by the oomycete Phytophthora cryptogea that activates defence mechanisms in tobacco plants. Among early signalling events triggered by this microbial-associated molecular pattern is a transient apoplastic oxidative burst which is dependent on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity of the RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG isoform D (RBOHD). Using radioactive [33 P]-orthophosphate labelling of tobacco Bright Yellow-2 suspension cells, we here provide in vivo evidence for a rapid accumulation of phosphatidic acid (PA) in response to cryptogein because of the coordinated onset of phosphoinositide-dependent phospholipase C and diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) activities. Both enzyme specific inhibitors and silencing of the phylogenetic cluster III of the tobacco DGK family were found to reduce PA production upon elicitation and to strongly decrease the RBOHD-mediated oxidative burst. Therefore, it appears that PA originating from DGK controls NADPH-oxidase activity. Amongst cluster III DGKs, the expression of DGK5-like was up-regulated in response to cryptogein. Besides DGK5-like is likely to be the main cluster III DGK isoform silenced in one of our mutant lines, making it a strong candidate for the observed response to cryptogein. The relevance of these results is discussed with regard to early signalling lipid-mediated events in plant immunity.

Phospholipases Dα and δ are involved in local and systemic wound responses of cotton (G. hirsutum)

Phospholipases D (PLDs) catabolize structural phospholipids to produce phosphatidic acid (PtdOH), a lipid playing central role in signalling pathways in animal, yeast and plant cells. In animal cells two PLD genes have been studied while in model plant Arabidopsis twelve genes exist, classified in six classes (α-ζ). This underlines the role of these enzymes in plant responses to environmental stresses. However, information concerning the PLD involvement in the widely cultivated and economically important cotton plant responses is very limited. The aim of this report was to study the activity of conventional cotton PLD and its participation in plant responses to mechanical wounding, which resembles both biotic and abiotic stresses. PLDα activity was identified and further characterized by transphosphatidylation reaction. Upon wounding, cotton leaf responses consist of an acute in vitro increase of PLDα activity in both wounded and systemic tissue. However, determination of the in vivo PtdOH levels under the same wounding conditions revealed a rapid PtdOH formation only in wounded leaves and a late response of a PtdOH increase in both tissues. Εxpression analysis of PLDα and PLDδ isoforms showed mRNA accumulation of both isoforms in the wounded tissue, but only PLDδ exerts a high and sustainable expression in systemic leaves, indicating that this isoform is mainly responsible for the systemic wound-induced PtdOH production. Therefore, our data suggest that PLDα and PLDδ isoforms are involved in different steps in cotton wound signalling.

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PLDα activity and PtdOH levels rapidly increase in wounded cotton leaves.

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PLDα is also activated rapidly in systemic tissue.

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Doubling of PtdOH levels occurs as a late response in both wounded and systemic tissue.

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PLDδ (but not PLDα) exerts a high and sustainable expression in systemic leaves.

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PLDα and PLDδ are involved in different steps in cotton wound signalling.

Silencing of the tomato phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C2 (SlPLC2) reduces plant susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea

The tomato [Solanum lycopersicum (Sl)] phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C (PI-PLC) gene family is composed of six members, named SlPLC1 to SlPLC6, differentially regulated on pathogen attack. We have previously shown that the fungal elicitor xylanase induces a raise of SlPLC2 and SlPLC5 transcripts and that SlPLC2, but not SlPLC5, is required for xylanase-induced expression of defense-related genes. In this work we studied the role of SlPLC2 in the interaction between tomato and the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. Inoculation of tomato leaves with B. cinerea increases SlPLC2 transcript levels. We knocked-down the expression of SlPLC2 by virus-induced gene silencing and plant defense responses were analyzed upon B. cinerea inoculation. SlPLC2 silenced plants developed smaller necrotic lesions concomitantly with less proliferation of the fungus. Silencing of SlPLC2 resulted as well in a reduced production of reactive oxygen species. Upon B. cinerea inoculation, transcript levels of the salicylic acid (SA)-defense pathway marker gene SlPR1a were diminished in SlPLC2 silenced plants compared to non-silenced infected plants, while transcripts of the jasmonic acid (JA)-defense gene markers Proteinase Inhibitor I and II (SlPI-I and SlPI-II) were increased. This implies that SlPLC2 participates in plant susceptibility to B. cinerea.

Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of the Phospholipase D Gene Families among Allotetraploid Cotton and Its Diploid Progenitors

In this study, 40 phospholipase D (PLD) genes were identified from allotetraploid cotton Gossypium hirsutum, and 20 PLD genes were examined in diploid cotton Gossypium raimondii. Combining with 19 previously identified Gossypium arboreum PLD genes, a comparative analysis was performed among the PLD gene families among allotetraploid and two diploid cottons. Based on the orthologous relationships, we found that almost each G. hirsutum PLD had a corresponding homolog in the G. arboreum and G. raimondii genomes, except for GhPLDβ3A, whose homolog GaPLDβ3 may have been lost during the evolution of G. arboreum after the interspecific hybridization. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all of the cotton PLDs were unevenly classified into six numbered subgroups: α, β/γ, δ, ε, ζ and φ. An N-terminal C2 domain was found in the α, β/γ, δ and ε subgroups, while phox homology (PX) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains were identified in the ζ subgroup. The subgroup φ possessed a single peptide instead of a functional domain. In each phylogenetic subgroup, the PLDs showed high conservation in gene structure and amino acid sequences in functional domains. The expansion of GhPLD and GrPLD gene families were mainly attributed to segmental duplication and partly attributed to tandem duplication. Furthermore, purifying selection played a critical role in the evolution of PLD genes in cotton. Quantitative RT-PCR documented that allotetraploid cotton PLD genes were broadly expressed and each had a unique spatial and developmental expression pattern, indicating their functional diversification in cotton growth and development. Further analysis of cis-regulatory elements elucidated transcriptional regulations and potential functions. Our comparative analysis provided valuable information for understanding the putative functions of the PLD genes in cotton fiber.

Capping protein integrates multiple MAMP signalling pathways to modulate actin dynamics during plant innate immunity

Plants and animals perceive diverse microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) via pattern recognition receptors and activate innate immune signalling. The actin cytoskeleton has been suggested as a target for innate immune signalling and a key transducer of cellular responses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying actin remodelling and the precise functions of these rearrangements during innate immunity remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate rapid actin remodelling in response to several distinct MAMP signalling pathways in plant epidermal cells. The regulation of actin dynamics is a convergence point for basal defence machinery, such as cell wall fortification and transcriptional reprogramming. Our quantitative analyses of actin dynamics and genetic studies reveal that MAMP-stimulated actin remodelling is due to the inhibition of capping protein (CP) by the signalling lipid, phosphatidic acid. In addition, CP promotes resistance against bacterial and fungal phytopathogens. These findings demonstrate that CP is a central target for the plant innate immune response.

Phosphatidic acid produced by phospholipase D promotes RNA replication of a plant RNA virus

Eukaryotic positive-strand RNA [(+)RNA] viruses are intracellular obligate parasites replicate using the membrane-bound replicase complexes that contain multiple viral and host components. To replicate, (+)RNA viruses exploit host resources and modify host metabolism and membrane organization. Phospholipase D (PLD) is a phosphatidylcholine- and phosphatidylethanolamine-hydrolyzing enzyme that catalyzes the production of phosphatidic acid (PA), a lipid second messenger that modulates diverse intracellular signaling in various organisms. PA is normally present in small amounts (less than 1% of total phospholipids), but rapidly and transiently accumulates in lipid bilayers in response to different environmental cues such as biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, the precise functions of PLD and PA remain unknown. Here, we report the roles of PLD and PA in genomic RNA replication of a plant (+)RNA virus, Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV). We found that RCNMV RNA replication complexes formed in Nicotiana benthamiana contained PLDα and PLDβ. Gene-silencing and pharmacological inhibition approaches showed that PLDs and PLDs-derived PA are required for viral RNA replication. Consistent with this, exogenous application of PA enhanced viral RNA replication in plant cells and plant-derived cell-free extracts. We also found that a viral auxiliary replication protein bound to PA in vitro, and that the amount of PA increased in RCNMV-infected plant leaves. Together, our findings suggest that RCNMV hijacks host PA-producing enzymes to replicate.

Phospholipase D and phosphatidic acid in plant defence response: from protein-protein and lipid-protein interactions to hormone signalling

Phospholipase Ds (PLDs) and PLD-derived phosphatidic acids (PAs) play vital roles in plant hormonal and environmental responses and various cellular dynamics. Recent studies have further expanded the functions of PLDs and PAs into plant-microbe interaction. The molecular diversities and redundant functions make PLD-PA an important signalling complex regulating lipid metabolism, cytoskeleton dynamics, vesicle trafficking, and hormonal signalling in plant defence through protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions or hormone signalling. Different PLD-PA signalling complexes and their targets have emerged as fast-growing research topics for understanding their numerous but not yet established roles in modifying pathogen perception, signal transduction, and downstream defence responses. Meanwhile, advanced lipidomics tools have allowed researchers to reveal further the mechanisms of PLD-PA signalling complexes in regulating lipid metabolism and signalling, and their impacts on jasmonic acid/oxylipins, salicylic acid, and other hormone signalling pathways that essentially mediate plant defence responses. This review attempts to summarize the progress made in spatial and temporal PLD/PA signalling as well as PLD/PA-mediated modification of plant defence. It presents an in-depth discussion on the functions and potential mechanisms of PLD-PA complexes in regulating actin filament/microtubule cytoskeleton, vesicle trafficking, and hormonal signalling, and in influencing lipid metabolism-derived metabolites as critical signalling components in plant defence responses. The discussion puts PLD-PA in a broader context in order to guide future research.

Non-specific phospholipase C4 mediates response to aluminum toxicity in Arabidopsis thaliana

Aluminum ions (Al) have been recognized as a major toxic factor for crop production in acidic soils. The first indication of the Al toxicity in plants is the cessation of root growth, but the mechanism of root growth inhibition is largely unknown. Here we examined the impact of Al on the expression, activity, and function of the non-specific phospholipase C4 (NPC4), a plasma membrane-bound isoform of NPC, a member of the plant phospholipase family, in Arabidopsis thaliana. We observed a lower expression of NPC4 using β-glucuronidase assay and a decreased formation of labeled diacylglycerol, product of NPC activity, using fluorescently labeled phosphatidylcholine as a phospholipase substrate in Arabidopsis WT seedlings treated with AlCl3 for 2 h. The effect on in situ NPC activity persisted for longer Al treatment periods (8, 14 h). Interestingly, in seedlings overexpressing NPC4, the Al-mediated NPC-inhibiting effect was alleviated at 14 h. However, in vitro activity and localization of NPC4 were not affected by Al, thus excluding direct inhibition by Al ions or possible translocation of NPC4 as the mechanisms involved in NPC-inhibiting effect. Furthermore, the growth of tobacco pollen tubes rapidly arrested by Al was partially rescued by the overexpression of AtNPC4 while Arabidopsis npc4 knockout lines were found to be more sensitive to Al stress during long-term exposure of Al at low phosphate conditions. Our observations suggest that NPC4 plays a role in both early and long-term responses to Al stress.

Lipids in salicylic acid-mediated defense in plants: focusing on the roles of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate

Plants have evolved effective defense strategies to protect themselves from various pathogens. Salicylic acid (SA) is an essential signaling molecule that mediates pathogen-triggered signals perceived by different immune receptors to induce downstream defense responses. While many proteins play essential roles in regulating SA signaling, increasing evidence also supports important roles for signaling phospholipids in this process. In this review, we collate the experimental evidence in support of the regulatory roles of two phospholipids, phosphatidic acid (PA), and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P), and their metabolizing enzymes in plant defense, and examine the possible mechanistic interaction between phospholipid signaling and SA-dependent immunity with a particular focus on the immunity-stimulated biphasic PA production that is reminiscent of and perhaps mechanistically connected to the biphasic reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and SA accumulation during defense activation.

Endosomal trafficking and signaling in plant defense responses

Plant defense responses are initiated by ligand-receptor recognition. The receptor may contain a motif for endocytosis and endocytosis is important for defense signaling in some cases. Recently, endosomal trafficking during defense has begun to be elucidated. In some cases, defense receptors are internalized into early endosomes, recycled back to the plasma membrane (PM) on recycling endosomes, and targeted for degradation via the late endosome pathway in an ESCRT dependent manner. Endosomal signaling has been proposed for several receptors. Defense receptors have been shown to reside on endosomes during the signaling time window. Increasing the endosomal presence of a receptor can cause a concomitant increase in signaling, while abolishing the formation of endosomes after the receptor has already been internalized can cause signaling attenuation.

Microbial signature-triggered plant defense responses and early signaling mechanisms

It has long been observed that microbial elicitors can trigger various cellular responses in plants. Microbial elicitors have recently been referred to as pathogen or microbe-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs or MAMPs) and remarkable progress has been made on research of their corresponding receptors, signaling mechanisms and critical involvement in disease resistance. Plants also generate endogenous signals due to the damage or wounds caused by microbes. These signals were originally called endogenous elicitors and subsequently renamed damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that serve as warning signals for infections. The cellular responses induced by PAMPs and DAMPs include medium alkalinization, ion fluxes across the membrane, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ethylene production. They collectively contribute to plant pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and play an important role in plant basal defense against a broad spectrum of microbial infections. In this review, we provide an update on multiple PTI responses and early signaling mechanisms and discuss its potential applications to improve crop disease resistance.

Arabidopsis phospholipase Dβ1 modulates defense responses to bacterial and fungal pathogens

Pathogen infection of higher plants often induces rapid production of phosphatidic acid (PA) and changes in lipid profiles, but the enzymatic basis and the function of the lipid change in pathogen-plant interactions are not well understood. Infection of phospholipase D β1 (PLDβ1)-deficient plants by Pseudomonas syringae tomato pv DC3000 (Pst DC30000) resulted in less bacterial growth than in wild-type plants, and the effect was more profound in virulent Pst DC3000 than avirulent Pst DC3000 (carrying the avirulence gene avrRpt2) infection. The expression levels of salicylic acid (SA)-inducible genes were higher, but those inducible by jasmonic acid (JA) showed lower expression in PLDβ1 mutants than in wild-type plants. However, PLDβ1-deficient plants were more susceptible than wild-type plants to the fungus Botrytis cinerea. The PLDβ1-deficient plants had lower levels of PA, JA and JA-related defense gene expression after B. cinerea inoculation. PLDβ1 plays a positive role in pathogen-induced JA production and plant resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen B. cinerea, but a negative role in the SA-dependent signaling pathway and plant tolerance to infection with biotrophic Pst DC3000. PLDβ1 is responsible for most of the increase in PA production in response to necrotrophic B. cinerea and virulent Pst DC3000 infection, but contributes less to avirulent Pst DC3000 (avrRpt2)-induced PA production.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate is associated to extracellular lipoproteic fractions and is detected in tomato apoplastic fluids

We have recently detected phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) in the extracellular medium of tomato cell suspensions. Extracellular PI4P was shown to trigger the activation of defence responses induced by the fungal elicitor xylanase. In this study, by applying a differential centrifugation technique, we found that extracellular PI4P is associated with fractions composed of diverse phospholipids and proteins, which were pelleted from the extracellular medium of tomato cell suspensions grown under basal conditions. Using mass spectrometry, we identified the proteins present in these pelleted fractions. Most of these proteins have previously been characterised as having a role in defence responses. Next, we evaluated whether PI4P could also be detected in an entire plant system. For this, apoplastic fluids of tomato plants grown under basal conditions were analysed using a lipid overlay assay. Interestingly, PI4P could be detected in intercellular fluids obtained from tomato leaflets and xylem sap of tomato plants. By employing electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS), other phospholipids were also found in intercellular fluids of tomato plants. These had a markedly different profile from the phospholipid pattern identified in entire leaflets. Based on these results, the potential role of extracellular phospholipids in plant intercellular communication is discussed.

Rice phospholipase Dα is involved in salt tolerance by the mediation of H(+)-ATPase activity and transcription

Phospholipase Dα (PLDα) is involved in plant response to salt stress, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated rice PLDα (OsPLDα) localization and its effect on tonoplast (TP) and plasma membrane (PM) H(+)-ATPase activity and transcription in response to NaCl. When rice suspension-cultured cells were treated with 100 mM NaCl, PLDα activity in cell extracts showed a transient activation with a threefold increase at 1 h. The amount of OsPLDα protein decreased slightly in the cytosolic fractions, whereas it increased significantly in the TP after NaCl treatment. OsPLDα1 knockdown cells were developed using RNA interference (RNAi) methods. The increase in TP and PM H(+)-ATPase activity induced by NaCl was significantly inhibited in OsPLDα1-RNAi cells. Knockdown of OsPLDα1 prevented the NaCl-induced increase in the transcript level of OsVHA-A (encodes TP H(+)-ATPase) and OSA2 (encodes PM H(+)-ATPase), as well as OsNHX1 (encodes TP Na(+) /H(+) antiporter). The cells died more in OsPLDα1-RNAi mutant than in wild type when they were treated with NaCl. These results suggest that OsPLDα is involved in salt tolerance in rice through the mediation of H(+)-ATPase activity and transcription.

Molecular, cellular, and physiological responses to phosphatidic acid formation in plants

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is an essential phospholipid involved in membrane biosynthesis and signal transduction in all eukaryotes. This review focuses on its role as lipid second messenger during plant stress, metabolism, and development. The contribution of different individual isoforms of enzymes that generate and break down PA will be discussed and the downstream responses highlighted, with particular focus on proteins that bind PA. Through characterization of several of these PA targets, a molecular and genetic basis for PA's role in plant stress and development is emerging.

BAK1 is required for the attenuation of ethylene-inducing xylanase (Eix)-induced defense responses by the decoy receptor LeEix1

Elicitor recognition plays a key role in the reaction of plants to pathogens and the induction of plant defense responses. Furthermore, plant-microbe interactions involve numerous regulatory systems essential for plant defense against pathogens. Ethylene-inducing xylanase (Eix) is a potent elicitor of plant defense responses in specific cultivars of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The Eix receptors (LeEix1 and LeEix2) belong to a superclade of leucine-rich repeat receptor-like proteins (RLP) with a signal for receptor-mediated endocytosis, which was shown to be essential for proper induction of defense responses. Both receptors are able to bind Eix, while only LeEix2 mediates defense responses. Here we demonstrate that LeEix1 heterodimerizes with LeEix2 upon application of the Eix elicitor. We show that LeEix1 attenuates Eix-induced internalization and signaling of the LeEix2 receptor. Furthermore, we demonstrate, using yeast two-hybrid and in planta bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, that the brassinosteroid co-receptor, BAK1, binds LeEix1 but not LeEix2. In BAK1-silenced plants, LeEix1 was no longer able to attenuate plant responses to Eix, indicating that BAK1 is required for this attenuation. We suggest that LeEix1 functions as a decoy receptor for LeEix2, a function which requires BAK1.

Exogenously induced expression of ethylene biosynthesis, ethylene perception, phospholipase D, and Rboh-oxidase genes in broccoli seedlings

In higher plants, copper ions, hydrogen peroxide, and cycloheximide have been recognized as very effective inducers of the transcriptional activity of genes encoding the enzymes of the ethylene biosynthesis pathway. In this report, the transcriptional patterns of genes encoding the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthases (ACSs), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidases (ACOs), ETR1, ETR2, and ERS1 ethylene receptors, phospholipase D (PLD)-alpha1, -alpha2, -gamma1, and -delta, and respiratory burst oxidase homologue (Rboh)-NADPH oxidase-D and -F in response to these inducers in Brassica oleracea etiolated seedlings are shown. ACS1, ACO1, ETR2, PLD-gamma1, and RbohD represent genes whose expression was considerably affected by all of the inducers used. The investigations were performed on the seedlings with (i) ethylene insensitivity and (ii) a reduced level of the PLD-derived phosphatidic acid (PA). The general conclusion is that the expression of ACS1, -3, -4, -5, -7, and -11, ACO1, ETR1, ERS1, and ETR2, PLD-gamma 1, and RbohD and F genes is undoubtedly under the reciprocal cross-talk of the ethylene and PA(PLD) signalling routes; both signals affect it in concerted or opposite ways depending on the gene or the type of stimuli. The results of these studies on broccoli seedlings are in agreement with the hypothesis that PA may directly affect the ethylene signal transduction pathway via an inhibitory effect on CTR1 (constitutive triple response 1) activity.

Reassessing the role of phospholipase D in the Arabidopsis wounding response

Plants respond to wounding by means of a multitude of reactions, with the purpose of stifling herbivore assault. Phospholipase D (PLD) has previously been implicated in the wounding response. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AtPLDalpha1 has been proposed to be activated in intact cells, and the phosphatidic acid (PA) it produces to serve as a precursor for jasmonic acid (JA) synthesis and to be required for wounding-induced gene expression. Independently, PLD activity has been reported to have a bearing on wounding-induced MAPK activation. However, which PLD isoforms are activated, where this activity takes place (in the wounded or non-wounded cells) and what exactly the consequences are is a question that has not been comprehensively addressed. Here, we show that PLD activity during the wounding response is restricted to the ruptured cells using (32)P(i)-labelled phospholipid analyses of Arabidopsis pld knock-out mutants and PLD-silenced tomato cell-suspension cultures. pldalpha1 knock-out lines have reduced wounding-induced PA production, and the remainder is completely eliminated in a pldalpha1/delta double knock-out line. Surprisingly, wounding-induced protein kinase activation, AtLOX2 gene expression and JA biosynthesis were not affected in these knock-out lines. Moreover, larvae of the Cabbage White butterfly (Pieris rapae) grew equally well on wild-type and the pld knock-out mutants.

Phospholipase D family interactions with the cytoskeleton: isoform delta promotes plasma membrane anchoring of cortical microtubules

Phospholipase D (PLD) is a key enzyme in signal transduction - mediating plant responses to various environmental stresses including drought and salinity. Isotype PLDδ interacts with the microtubule cytoskeleton, although it is unclear if, or how, each of the 12 PLD isotypes in Arabidopsis may be involved mechanistically. We employed RNA interference in epidermal cells of Allium porrum L. (leek) leaves, in which the developmental reorientation of cortical microtubule arrays to a longitudinal direction is highly sensitive to experimental manipulation. Using particle bombardment and transient transformation with synthetic siRNAs targeting AtPLDα, β, γ, δ, ॉ and ζ, we examined the effect of 'cross-target' silencing orthologous A. porrum genes on microtubule reorientation dynamics during cell elongation. Co-transformation of individual siRNAs together with a GFP-MBD microtubule-reporter gene revealed that siRNAs targeting AtPLDδ promoted, whereas siRNAs targeting AtPLDβ and γ reduced, longitudinal microtubule orientation in A. porrum. These PLD isotypes, therefore, interact, directly or indirectly, with the cytoskeleton and the microtubule-plasma membrane interface. The unique response of PLDδ to silencing, along with its exclusive localisation to the plasma membrane, indicates that this isotype is specifically involved in promoting microtubule-membrane anchorage.

Suppression of a phospholipase D gene, OsPLDbeta1, activates defense responses and increases disease resistance in rice

Phospholipase D (PLD) plays an important role in plants, including responses to abiotic as well as biotic stresses. A survey of the rice (Oryza sativa) genome database indicated the presence of 17 PLD genes in the genome, among which OsPLDalpha1, OsPLDalpha5, and OsPLDbeta1 were highly expressed in most tissues studied. To examine the physiological function of PLD in rice, we made knockdown plants for each PLD isoform by introducing gene-specific RNA interference constructs. One of them, OsPLDbeta1-knockdown plants, showed the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the absence of pathogen infection. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and DNA microarray analyses revealed that the knockdown of OsPLDbeta1 resulted in the up-/down-regulation of more than 1,400 genes, including the induction of defense-related genes such as pathogenesis-related protein genes and WRKY/ERF family transcription factor genes. Hypersensitive response-like cell death and phytoalexin production were also observed at a later phase of growth in the OsPLDbeta1-knockdown plants. These results indicated that the OsPLDbeta1-knockdown plants spontaneously activated the defense responses in the absence of pathogen infection. Furthermore, the OsPLDbeta1-knockdown plants exhibited increased resistance to the infection of major pathogens of rice, Pyricularia grisea and Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae. These results suggested that OsPLDbeta1 functions as a negative regulator of defense responses and disease resistance in rice.

Phospholipase D activation is an early component of the salicylic acid signaling pathway in Arabidopsis cell suspensions

Salicylic acid (SA) plays a central role in defense against pathogen attack, as well as in germination, flowering, senescence, and the acquisition of thermotolerance. In this report we investigate the involvement of phospholipase D (PLD) in the SA signaling pathway. In presence of exogenous primary alcohols, the production of phosphatidic acid by PLD is diverted toward the formation of phosphatidylalcohols through a reaction called transphosphatidylation. By in vivo metabolic phospholipid labeling with (33)P(i), PLD activity was found to be induced 45 min after addition of SA. We show that incubation of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cell suspensions with primary alcohols inhibited the induction of two SA-responsive genes, PATHOGENESIS-RELATED1 and WRKY38, in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was more pronounced when the primary alcohols were more hydrophobic. Secondary or tertiary alcohols had no inhibitory effect. These results provide compelling arguments for PLD activity being upstream of the induction of these genes by SA. A subsequent study of n-butanol effects on the SA-responsive transcriptome identified 1,327 genes differentially expressed upon SA treatment. Strikingly, the SA response of 380 of these genes was inhibited by n-butanol but not by tert-butanol. A detailed analysis of the regulation of these genes showed that PLD could act both positively and negatively, either on gene induction or gene repression. The overlap with the previously described phosphatidylinositol-4-kinase pathway is discussed.

Phospholipase C5 (NPC5) is involved in galactolipid accumulation during phosphate limitation in leaves of Arabidopsis

The replacement of phospholipids by galacto- and sulfolipids in plant membranes represents an important adaptive process for growth on phosphate-limiting soils. Gene expression and lipid analyses revealed that the MYB transcription factor PHR1 that has been previously shown to regulate phosphate responses is not a major factor controlling membrane lipid changes. Candidate genes for phospholipid degradation were selected based on induction of expression during phosphate deprivation. Lipid measurements in the corresponding Arabidopsis mutants revealed that the non-specific phospholipase C5 (NPC5) is required for normal accumulation of digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) during phosphate limitation in leaves. The growth and DGDG content of a double mutant npc5 pho1 (between npc5 and the phosphate-deficient pho1 mutant) are reduced compared to parental lines. The amount of DGDG increases from approximately 15 mol% to 22 mol% in npc5, compared to 28 mol% in wild-type, indicating that NPC5 is responsible for approximately 50% of the DGDG synthesized during phosphate limitation in leaves. Expression in Escherichia coli revealed that NPC5 shows phospholipase C activity on phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. A double mutant of npc5 and pldzeta2 (carrying a mutation in the phospholipase Dzeta2 gene) was generated. Lipid measurements in npc5 pldzeta2 indicated that the contribution of PLDzeta2 to DGDG production in leaves is negligible. In contrast to the chloroplast envelope localization of galactolipid synthesis enzymes, NPC5 localizes to the cytosol, suggesting that, during phosphate limitation, soluble NPC5 associates with membranes where it contributes to the conversion of phospholipids to diacylglycerol, the substrate for galactolipid synthesis.

CsPLDalpha1 and CsPLDgamma1 are differentially induced during leaf and fruit abscission and diurnally regulated in Citrus sinensis

Understanding leaf and fruit abscission is essential in order to develop strategies for controlling the process in fruit crops. Mechanisms involved in signalling leaf and fruit abscission upon induction by abscission agents were investigated in Citrus sinensis cv. 'Valencia'. Previous studies have suggested a role for phospholipid signalling; hence, two phospholipase D cDNA sequences, CsPLDalpha1 and CsPLDgamma1, were isolated and their role was examined. CsPLDalpha1 expression was reduced in leaves but unaltered in fruit peel tissue treated with an ethylene-releasing compound (ethephon), or a fruit-specific abscission agent, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP). By contrast, CsPLDgamma1 expression was up-regulated within 6 h (leaves) and 24 h (fruit peel) after treatment with ethephon or CMNP, respectively. CsPLDalpha1 expression was diurnally regulated in leaf blade but not fruit peel. CsPLDgamma1 exhibited strong diurnal oscillation in expression in leaves and fruit peel with peak expression around midday. While diurnal fluctuation in CsPLDalpha1 expression appeared to be light-entrained in leaves, CsPLDgamma1 expression was regulated by light and the circadian clock. The diurnal expression of both genes was modulated by ethylene-signalling. The ethephon-induced leaf abscission and the ethephon- and CMNP-induced decrease in fruit detachment force were enhanced by application during rising diurnal expression of CsPLDgamma1. The results indicate differential regulation of CsPLDalpha1 and CsPLDgamma1 in leaves and fruit, and suggest possible roles for PLD-dependent signalling in regulating abscission responses in citrus.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate accumulates extracellularly upon xylanase treatment in tomato cell suspensions

Various phosphoinositides have been implicated in plant defence signalling. Until now, such molecules have been exclusively related to intracellular signalling. Here, evidence is provided for the detection of extracellular phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) in tomato cell suspensions. We have analysed and compared the intracellular and extracellular phospholipid profiles of [(32)P(i)]-prelabelled tomato cells, challenged with the fungal elicitor xylanase. These phospholipid patterns were found to be different, being phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) the most abundant phospholipid in the extracellular medium. Moreover, while cells responded with a typical increase in phosphatidic acid and a decrease in intracellular PIP upon xylanase treatment, extracellular PIP level increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Using two experimental approaches, the extracellular PIP isoform was identified as PI4P. Addition of PI4P to tomato cell suspensions triggered the same defence responses as those induced by xylanase treatment. These include production of reactive oxygen species, accumulation of defence-related gene transcripts and induction of cell death. We demonstrate that extracellular PI4P is accumulated in xylanase-elicited cells and that exogenous application of PI4P mimics xylanase effects, suggesting its putative role as an intercellular signalling molecule.

Heterologous expression, and biochemical and cellular characterization of CaPLA1 encoding a hot pepper phospholipase A1 homolog

Phospholipid signaling has been recently implicated in diverse cellular processes in higher plants. We identified a cDNA encoding the phospholipase A1 homolog (CaPLA1) from 5-day-old early roots of hot pepper. The deduced amino acid sequence showed that the lipase-specific catalytic triad is well conserved in CaPLA1. In vitro lipase assays and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that CaPLA1 possesses PLA1 activity, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of phospholipids at the sn-1 position. CaPLA1 was selectively expressed in young roots, at days 4-5 after germination, and rapidly declined thereafter, suggesting that the expression of CaPLA1 is subject to control by a development-specific mechanism in roots. Because transgenic work was extremely difficult in hot peppers, in this study we overexpressed CaPLA1 in Arabidopsis so as to provide cellular information on the function of this gene. CaPLA1 overexpressors had significantly longer roots, leaves and petioles, and grew more rapidly than the wild-type plants, leading to an early bolting phenotype with prolonged inflorescence. Microscopic analysis showed that the vegetative tissues of 35S:CaPLA1 plants contained an increased number of small-sized cells, which resulted in highly populated cell layers. In addition, mRNAs for cell cycle-controlled proteins and fatty acid catabolizing enzymes were coordinately upregulated in CaPLA1-overexpressing plants. These results suggest that CaPLA1 is functionally relevant in heterologous Arabidopsis cells, and hence might participate in a subset of positive control mechanisms of cell and tissue growth in transgenic lines. We discuss possible biochemical and cellular functions of CaPLA1 in relation to the phospholipid signaling pathway in hot pepper and transgenic Arabidopsis plants.

Pattern recognition receptors: from the cell surface to intracellular dynamics

Detection of potentially infectious microorganisms is essential for plant immunity. Microbial communities growing on plant surfaces are constantly monitored according to their conserved microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). In recent years, several pattern-recognition receptors, including receptor-like kinases and receptor-like proteins, and their contribution to disease resistance have been described. MAMP signaling must be carefully controlled and seems to involve receptor endocytosis. As a further surveillance layer, plants are able to specifically recognize microbial effector molecules via nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat receptors (NB-LRR). A number of recent studies show that NB-LRR translocate to the nucleus in order to exert their activity. In this review, current knowledge regarding the recognition of MAMPs by surface receptors, receptor activation, signaling, and subcellular redistribution are discussed.

Quantitative Phosphoproteomics of Early Elicitor Signaling in Arabidopsis

Perception of general elicitors by plant cells initiates signal transduction cascades that are regulated by protein phosphorylation. The earliest signaling events occur within minutes and include ion fluxes across the plasma membrane, activation of MAPKs, and the formation of reactive oxygen species. The phosphorylation events that regulate these signaling cascades are largely unknown. Here we present a mass spectrometry-based quantitative phosphoproteomics approach that identified differentially phosphorylated sites in signaling and response proteins from Arabidopsis cells treated with either flg22 or xylanase. Our approach was sensitive enough to quantitate phosphorylation on low abundance signaling proteins such as calcium-dependent protein kinases and receptor-like kinase family members. With this approach we identified one or more differentially phosphorylated sites in 76 membrane-associated proteins including a number of defense-related proteins. Our data on phosphorylation indicate a high degree of complexity at the level of post-translational modification as exemplified by the complex modification patterns of respiratory burst oxidase protein D. Furthermore the data also suggest that protein translocation and vesicle traffic are important aspects of early signaling and defense in response to general elicitors. Our study presents the largest quantitative Arabidopsis phosphoproteomics data set to date and provides a new resource that can be used to gain novel insight into plant defense signal transduction and early defense response.