Role of the Plasma Membrane in Saline Conditions: Lipids and Proteins

The PM is believed to be one facet of the cellular mechanisms involved in adaptation to saline conditions. Alterations in the PM components in response to salinity are therefore anticipated to contribute to plant salt tolerance. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent findings describing the crucial roles of the PM components in plant acclimation to salt stress. The responses of the PM proteins and lipids to salinity in contrasting species/cultivars were therefore discussed. The relationship between alterations in the lipids and proteins of the PM and tolerance to salt stress is also addressed. Several lines of evidence were presented demonstrating correlation of modifying the PM composition with adaptation of plants to high salinity. Even if contradictory results have been observed, the roles of the PM lipids and proteins appeared to be of great importance for tolerance to high salinity. Despite the promising results, more research should be carried out at the molecular level to further evaluate the roles of some of the PM components in salt tolerance.