Phosphatidic Acid Signaling in Modulating Plant Reproduction and Architecture

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is an important class of signaling lipids involved in various biological processes in plants. Functional characterization of the mutants of PA's metabolizing enzymes coupled with lipidomics and protein-lipid interaction analyses have revealed that PA signaling is involved in plant response to biotic and abiotic stress. Moreover, PA and its metabolizing enzymes have been found to affect various reproductive steps, including gametogenesis, pollen tube growth, self-incompatibility, haploid embryo formation, embryogenesis, and seed development. They also play a significant role in shaping plant reproductive and root architecture. Recent results have also started to shed light on the multifaceted modes of PA's action, but much remains to be elucidated. Here, we will review the recent findings of PA and its metabolizing enzymes to highlight their effects on plant sexual reproduction and architecture and discuss the possible mechanisms underlying PA's actions in these processes and future directions.