Mapping the Molecular Circuitry of Plant Nutrient Acquisition and Homeostasis in Stressful Environments: Insights into Sensing, Signaling, and Transport Mechanisms
摘要
Plants are constantly exposed to various environmental stresses that substantially impact their survival and productivity. A major adaptive challenge for plants under these conditions is maintaining nutrient homeostasis, a finely tuned balance of nutrient uptake, transport, and utilization, essential for survival. A deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which plants sense, signal, and transport nutrients under such adverse conditions is imperative for enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience to stress. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying nutrient sensing, focusing on the roles of specialized sensors and the perception of environmental stress. In addition, it delves into the complex signaling pathways, including hormonal and secondary messengers like calcium ions (Ca²⁺), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO), that regulate nutrient homeostasis. It further addresses the regulatory mechanisms at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels that alters gene expression to optimize nutrient acquisition under stress conditions. The review emphasizes how adopting omics technologies, system biology, and gene editing would transform our understanding of nutrient acquisition and homeostasis in plants. By integrating recent insights, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview that could guide future research and practical applications in crop improvement and stress resilience.