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Sugar transporters in grasses: Function and modulation in source and storage tissues.
Singha R Dhungana1, David M Braun2
1Divisions of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, and Missouri Maize Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA.
Journal of Plant Physiology
|October 11, 2021
Summary
Plant carbohydrate partitioning, crucial for growth and stress resilience, involves sucrose transport via sugar transporters. Understanding these mechanisms, especially in grasses, can improve crop varieties.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Carbohydrate partitioning is essential for plant growth, development, and stress tolerance.
- Sucrose is the main carbohydrate transported long-distance in the phloem to sink tissues.
- Understanding sucrose transport mechanisms is key to improving crop yields and resilience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on phloem loading in grasses.
- To identify key sugar transporter families involved in sucrose transport.
- To explore novel mechanisms regulating sugar transporter activity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on carbohydrate partitioning and sugar transporters.
- Analysis of findings from eudicot species for potential translation to monocots.
- Discussion of regulatory mechanisms controlling sugar transporter activity.
Main Results:
- Phloem loading mechanisms in grasses are complex and species-specific.
- Major sugar transporter families (e.g., SWEET, SUT) play critical roles in sucrose transport.
- Sugar transporter activity is modulated by various factors, including post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions.
Conclusions:
- Insights from eudicot species offer valuable perspectives on sugar transporter regulation.
- Understanding these regulatory pathways can be translated to monocot species, including crops.
- Harnessing knowledge of sugar transporter regulation can aid in developing improved crop varieties with enhanced yield and stress resistance.
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