GDSL Lipase Gene Family Functions in Plant Stress Responses

GDSL lipases are a widespread class of hydrolytic enzymes characterised by a conserved GDSL motif at their N-terminus. In plants, members of this gene family participate in lipid metabolism, cell wall remodelling, cuticle formation and signalling pathways that underpin responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses. Under drought, salinity, heat and cold, specific GDSL lipases modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, influence antioxidant enzyme activities and regulate the expression of stress-responsive genes. Some family members act as positive regulators of tolerance by enhancing membrane integrity and osmotic adjustment, whereas others function negatively by fine-tuning defence signalling. In stomatal guard cells, distinct GDSL lipases control pore dynamics and water-use efficiency, integrating hormonal cues such as abscisic acid (ABA). Genome-wide analyses across crop species reveal extensive gene family expansion through duplication events, followed by subfunctionalisation, leading to specialised roles in tissue-specific stress adaptation. The global significance of this work lies in the potential to engineer GDSL lipases for improved crop resilience, yield stability and sustainable agriculture under changing climates.

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Technical terms

GDSL lipase: Hydrolytic enzyme with a conserved glycine–aspartate–serine–leucine sequence at the N-terminus, involved in lipid hydrolysis and stress signalling.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive oxygen-containing molecules that can damage cellular components or serve as secondary messengers in stress responses.

Abscisic acid (ABA): Plant hormone that regulates stomatal closure, gene expression and physiological adaptations under drought, salinity and other abiotic stresses.

Guard cells: Specialised epidermal cells that flank stomatal pores, controlling gas exchange and transpirational water loss through changes in turgor.

References

1. GDSL Lipase Gene HTA1 Negatively Regulates Heat Tolerance in Rice Seedlings by Regulating Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation. Antioxidants (2024).
2. Plant GDSL Esterases/Lipases: Evolutionary, Physiological and Molecular Functions in Plant Development. Plants (2022).
3. Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution, and Expression of GDSL-Type Esterase/Lipase Gene Family in Soybean. Frontiers in Plant Science (2020).
4. Expression Pattern and Functional Analyses of Arabidopsis Guard Cell-Enriched GDSL Lipases. Frontiers in Plant Science (2021).