Cellular functions of Phosphoinositides: Biological membranes consist largely of bilayers of phospholipids to which proteins or protein complexes are attached or in which they are embedded. Besides their structural role as the building-blocks of a membrane, some phospholipids can act as regulators of proteins or other phospholipids in the membrane. The inositol-containing phospholipids, or phosphoinositides, are an example for phospholipids with structural and regulatory functions.

While extensive work has been carried out and many phosphoinositide-functions are established in animal systems, the importance of phosphoinositides in plants only recently emerges. In theory, the many functions performed by phosphoinositides make these phospholipids ideal candidates to coordinate growth responses to abiotic stimuli. Research in our laboratory is conducted in order to elucidate roles and modes of action of phosphoinositides in plant growth and development.

Cellular functions of Phosphoinositides

The inositol headgroup

Cellular localization of phosphoinositides

Phosphoinositides as central mediators of plant growth responses

Unique properties of plant phosphoinositide metabolism

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate regulates intracellular Ca²⁺ levels