Work

Plant autoinhibited Ca2+-ATPases: shaping calcium signals for growth, stress adaptation, and crop improvement

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: P-type ATPases are conserved ATP-driven ion transporters that maintain cellular ion homeostasis. Plant P-type IIB Ca 2+ -ATPases, known as autoinhibited Ca 2+ -ATPases (ACAs), are key regulators of Ca 2+ signaling networks. This review summarizes the structural features, Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent regulation, evolutionary diversification, and biological functions of plant ACAs. By contributing to cytosolic Ca 2+ clearance and the restoration of basal Ca 2+ levels, ACAs may modulate stimulus-specific Ca 2+ dynamics and participate in diverse physiological processes, including plant growth, development, stomatal movement, immunity, and abiotic stress adaptation. Comparative analyses across plant species highlight functional specialization of ACA isoforms and their potential value for crop improvement. We further discuss current challenges in ACA functional characterization, particularly the complexity of Ca 2+ signaling networks and the limited understanding of ACA-associated genetic variation. Emerging approaches integrating multi-omics, artificial intelligence, and precision genome editing provide new opportunities for identifying and designing ACA alleles for climate-resilient crop breeding.

Source: Frontiers in Plant Science

DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2026.1984800

Authors: Mengmeng Rui, Dongdong Xu, Yongsheng Deng, Yizhou Wang, Zongfu Han

Institutions: Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801