Evolution and functional roles of neutral/alkaline invertases in plant growth, development, and stress response

Neutral/alkaline invertases (N/A-Invs) are crucial enzymes in sucrose metabolism, playing essential roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Unlike acidic invertases, N/A-Invs are localized in various subcellular compartments, including the cytoplasm, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and plastids, with distinct functions in each organelle. These enzymes regulate sugar homeostasis and are involved in key processes such as root development, carbon partitioning, and osmotic stress responses. Recent studies have identified two subfamilies of N/A-Invs, α and β, with the β subfamily being more conserved and primarily localized in the cytoplasm, whereas the α subfamily is associated with mitochondria and plastids. Despite significant advances, many aspects of N/A-Invs remain unclear, particularly their interaction with signaling pathways and their differential roles across plant species. Future research should focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying N/A-Invs' regulation, their evolutionary history, and their potential applications in improving crop resilience and productivity. This growing body of knowledge promises to enhance our understanding of plant physiology and offer insights into agricultural biotechnology.