Beyond the membrane: the pivotal role of lipids in plants abiotic stress adaptation

Abstract

Plants are frequently exposed to various environmental stressors, and their survival relies on intricate sensory mechanisms that detect and respond to these challenges. In recent years, several biomolecules have been identified as key regulators of plant responses to abiotic stresses. Lipids, one of crucial biomolecules serves as energy source, provides structural integrity and being a major component of plasma membranes forms the interface between the cell and the environment. Among the lipids, phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphoinositides, sphingolipids, lysophospholipids, oxylipins, and free fatty acids have been identified as substrates for stress-related signaling pathways. Despite the significance of these lipids, our understanding of their specific roles, interactions, and physiological impacts under conditions such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures remains limited. This review aims to synthesize recent advancements in our knowledge of lipid generation, distribution, and lipid-mediated signal transduction in response of plants to abiotic stresses. By exploring these processes, we seek to provide a comprehensive overview of lipid function in plant stress tolerance and identify potential avenues for future research.