Nitro-fatty acids: electrophilic signaling molecules in plant physiology

DI FINO, LUCIANO M.; GARCIA MATA CARLOS; ARRUEBARRENA DI PALMA, A; SCHOPFER, FRANCISCO J.; PERK, ENZO A.; LAXALT, ANA M.

PLANTA

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2021 vol. 254

0032-0935

Fatty acids (FAs) are major components of membranes and contribute to cellular energetic demands. Besides, FAs are precursors of signaling molecules, including oxylipins and other oxidized fatty acids derived from the activity of lipoxygenases. In addition, non-canonical modified fatty acids, such as nitro-fatty acids (NO2-FAs), are formed in animals and plants. The synthesis NO2-FAs involves a nitration reaction between unsaturated fatty acids and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). This review will focus on recent findings showing that, in plants, NO2-FAs such as nitro-linolenic acid (NO2-Ln) and nitro-oleic acid (NO2-OA) have relevant physiological roles as signaling molecules in biotic and abiotic stress, growth, and development. Moreover, since there is controversy on mechanisms of action of NO2-FAs as signaling molecules, we will provide evidence showing why this aspect needs further evaluation.