Local and long-range signaling pathways regulating plant responses to nitrate

Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2002:53:203-24. doi: 10.1146/annurev.arplant.53.100301.135256.

Abstract

Nitrate is the major source of nitrogen (N) for plants growing in aerobic soils. However, the NO3- ion is also used by plants as a signal to reprogram plant metabolism and to trigger changes in plant architecture. A striking example is the way that a root system can react to a localized source of NO3- by activating the NO3- uptake system and proliferating lateral roots preferentially within the NO3(-)-rich zone. That roots are able to respond autonomously in this fashion implies the existence of local signaling pathways that are sensitive to local changes in the external NO3- concentration. On the other hand, long-range signaling pathways are also needed to modulate these responses according to the plant's N status and to coordinate the allocation of resources between the root and the shoot. This review examines these signaling mechanisms and their interactions with sugar-sensing and hormonal response pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Nitrates / physiology*
  • Plant Development
  • Plant Physiological Phenomena*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Nitrates