HY5: a key regulator for light-mediated nutrient uptake and utilization by plants

ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), a bZIP-type transcription factor, is a master regulator of light-mediated responses. ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 binds to the promoter of c. 3000 genes, thereby regulating various physiological and biological processes, including photomorphogenesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, root development, response to abiotic stress and nutrient homeostasis. In recent decades, it has become clear that light signaling plays a crucial role in promoting nutrient uptake and assimilation. Recent studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying such encouraging effects and the crucial function of the transcription factor HY5, whose activity is regulated by many photoreceptors. The discovery that HY5 directly activates the expression of genes involved in nutrient uptake and utilization, including several nitrogen, iron, sulphur, phosphorus and copper uptake and assimilation-related genes, enhances our understanding of how light signaling regulates uptake and utilisation of multiple nutrients in plants. Here, we review recent advances in the role of HY5 in light-dependent nutrient uptake and utilization.