NRT2.1 C-terminus phosphorylation prevents root high affinity nitrate uptake activity in Arabidopsis thaliana

Recent advances in local and systemic nitrate signaling in Arabidopsisthaliana

Nitrate is the most abundant form of inorganic nitrogen in aerobic soils, serving both as a nutrient and a signaling molecule. Central to nitrate signaling in higher plants is the intricate balance between local and systemic signaling and response pathways. The interplay between local and systemic responses allows plants to regulate their global gene expression, metabolism, physiology, growth, and development under fluctuating nitrate availability. This review offers an overview of recent discoveries regarding new players on nitrate sensing and signaling, in local and systemic contexts in Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, it addresses unanswered questions that warrant further investigation for a better understanding of nitrate signaling and responses in plants.

Investigation of morpho-physiolgical traits and gene expression in barley under nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for plant growth, and its deficiency influences plants at several physiological and gene expression levels. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the most important food grains from the Poaceae family and one of the most important staple food crops. However, the seed yield is limited by a number of stresses, the most important of which is the insufficient use of N. Thus, there is a need to develop N-use effective cultivars. In this study, comparative physiological and molecular analyses were performed using leaf and root tissues from 10 locally grown barley cultivars. The expression levels of nitrate transporters, HvNRT2 genes, were analyzed in the leaf and root tissues of N-deficient (ND) treatments of barley cultivars after 7 and 14 days following ND treatment as compared to the normal condition. Based on the correlation between the traits, root length (RL) had a positive and highly significant correlation with fresh leaf weight (FLW) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) concentration in roots, indicating a direct root and leaf relationship with the plant development under ND. From the physiological aspects, ND enhanced carotenoids, chlorophylls a/b (Chla/b), total chlorophyll (TCH), leaf antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and root antioxidant enzymes (APX and POD) in the Sahra cultivar. The expression levels of HvNRT2.1, HvNRT2.2, and HvNRT2.4 genes were up-regulated under ND conditions. For the morphological traits, ND maintained root dry weight among the cultivars, except for Sahra. Among the studied cultivars, Sahra responded well to ND stress, making it a suitable candidate for barely improvement programs. These findings may help to better understand the mechanism of ND tolerance and thus lead to the development of cultivars with improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in barley.

Phosphoregulation in the N-terminus of NRT2.1 affects nitrate uptake by controlling the interaction of NRT2.1 with NAR2.1 and kinase HPCAL1 in Arabidopsis

NRT2.1, the major high affinity nitrate transporter in roots, can be phosphorylated at five different sites within the N- and the C-terminus. Here, we characterized the functional relationship of two N-terminal phosphorylation sites, S21 and S28, in Arabidopsis. Based on a site-specific correlation network, we identified a receptor kinase (HPCAL1, AT5G49770), phosphorylating NRT2.1 at S21 and resulting in active nitrate uptake. HPCAL1 itself was regulated by phosphorylation at S839 and S870 within its kinase domain. In the active state, when S839 was dephosphorylated and S870 was phosphorylated, HPCAL1 was found to interact with the N-terminus of NRT2.1, mainly when S28 was dephosphorylated. Phosphorylation of NRT2.1 at S21 resulted in a reduced interaction of NRT2.1 with its activator NAR2.1, but nitrate transport activity remained. By contrast, phosphorylated NRT2.1 at S28 enhanced the interaction with NAR2.1, but reduced the interaction with HPCAL1. Here we identified HPCAL1 as the kinase affecting this phospho-switch through phosphorylation of NRT2.1 at S21.

Functional analyses of the NRT2 family of nitrate transporters in Arabidopsis

Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. Nitrate is the major form of nitrogen acquired by most crops and also serves as a vital signaling molecule. Nitrate is absorbed from the soil into root cells usually by the low-affinity NRT1 NO3 - transporters and high-affinity NRT2 NO3 - transporters, with NRT2s serving to absorb NO3 - under NO3 -limiting conditions. Seven NRT2 members have been identified in Arabidopsis, and they have been shown to be involved in various biological processes. In this review, we summarize the spatiotemporal expression patterns, localization, and biotic and abiotic responses of these transporters with a focus on recent advances in the current understanding of the functions of the seven AtNRT2 genes. This review offers beneficial insight into the mechanisms by which plants adapt to changing environmental conditions and provides a theoretical basis for crop research in the near future.

CEP hormones at the nexus of nutrient acquisition and allocation, root development, and plant-microbe interactions

A growing understanding is emerging of the roles of peptide hormones in local and long-distance signalling that coordinates plant growth and development as well as responses to the environment. C-TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDE (CEP) signalling triggered by its interaction with CEP RECEPTOR 1 (CEPR1) is known to play roles in systemic nitrogen (N) demand signalling, legume nodulation, and root system architecture. Recent research provides further insight into how CEP signalling operates, which involves diverse downstream targets and interactions with other hormone pathways. Additionally, there is emerging evidence of CEP signalling playing roles in N allocation, root responses to carbon levels, the uptake of other soil nutrients such as phosphorus and sulfur, root responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, plant immunity, and reproductive development. These findings suggest that CEP signalling more broadly coordinates growth across the whole plant in response to diverse environmental cues. Moreover, CEP signalling and function appear to be conserved in angiosperms. We review recent advances in CEP biology with a focus on soil nutrient uptake, root system architecture and organogenesis, and roles in plant-microbe interactions. Furthermore, we address knowledge gaps and future directions in this research field.

Genome-wide systematic characterization of the NRT2 gene family and its expression profile in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during plant growth and in response to nitrate deficiency

BACKGROUND

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop that is grown worldwide, and it is highly dependent on sufficient N supply. The molecular mechanisms associated with nitrate uptake and assimilation are still poorly understood in wheat. In plants, NRT2 family proteins play a crucial role in NO₃^- acquisition and translocation under nitrate limited conditions. However, the biological functions of these genes in wheat are still unclear, especially their roles in NO₃^- uptake and assimilation.

RESULTS

In this study, a comprehensive analysis of wheat TaNRT2 genes was conducted using bioinformatics and molecular biology methods, and 49 TaNRT2 genes were identified. A phylogenetic analysis clustered the TaNRT2 genes into three clades. The genes that clustered on the same phylogenetic branch had similar gene structures and nitrate assimilation functions. The identified genes were further mapped onto the 13 wheat chromosomes, and the results showed that a large duplication event had occurred on chromosome 6. To explore the TaNRT2 gene expression profiles in wheat, we performed transcriptome sequencing after low nitrate treatment for three days. Transcriptome analysis revealed the expression levels of all TaNRT2 genes in shoots and roots, and based on the expression profiles, three highly expressed genes (TaNRT2-6A.2, TaNRT2-6A.6, and TaNRT2-6B.4) were selected for qPCR analysis in two different wheat cultivars ('Mianmai367' and 'Nanmai660') under nitrate-limited and normal conditions. All three genes were upregulated under nitrate-limited conditions and highly expressed in the high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) wheat 'Mianmai367' under low nitrate conditions.

CONCLUSION

We systematically identified 49 NRT2 genes in wheat and analysed the transcript levels of all TaNRT2s under nitrate deficient conditions and over the whole growth period. The results suggest that these genes play important roles in nitrate absorption, distribution, and accumulation. This study provides valuable information and key candidate genes for further studies on the function of TaNRT2s in wheat.

Signaling pathways underlying nitrogen transport and metabolism in plants

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient required for plant growth and crop production. However, N in soil is usually insufficient for plant growth. Thus, chemical N fertilizer has been extensively used to increase crop production. Due to negative effects of N rich fertilizer on the environment, improving N usage has been a major issue in the field of plant science to achieve sustainable production of crops. For that reason, many efforts have been made to elucidate how plants regulate N uptake and utilization according to their surrounding habitat over the last 30 years. Here, we provide recent advances focusing on regulation of N uptake, allocation of N by N transporting system, and signaling pathway controlling N responses in plants. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(2): 56-64].

A gene regulatory network in Arabidopsis roots reveals features and regulators of the plant response to elevated CO2

The elevation of CO₂ in the atmosphere increases plant biomass but decreases their mineral content. The genetic and molecular bases of these effects remain mostly unknown, in particular in the root system, which is responsible for plant nutrient uptake. To gain knowledge about the effect of elevated CO₂ on plant growth and physiology, and to identify its regulatory in the roots, we analyzed genome expression in Arabidopsis roots through a combinatorial design with contrasted levels of CO₂ , nitrate, and iron. We demonstrated that elevated CO₂ has a modest effect on root genome expression under nutrient sufficiency, but by contrast leads to massive expression changes under nitrate or iron deficiencies. We demonstrated that elevated CO₂ negatively targets nitrate and iron starvation modules at the transcriptional level, associated with a reduction in high-affinity nitrate uptake. Finally, we inferred a gene regulatory network governing the root response to elevated CO₂ . This network allowed us to identify candidate transcription factors including MYB15, WOX11, and EDF3 which we experimentally validated for their role in the stimulation of growth by elevated CO₂ . Our approach identified key features and regulators of the plant response to elevated CO₂ , with the objective of developing crops resilient to climate change.

Loss of Polycomb proteins CLF and LHP1 leads to excessive RNA degradation in Arabidopsis

Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins are major chromatin complexes that regulate gene expression, mainly described as repressors keeping genes in a transcriptionally silent state during development. Recent studies have nonetheless suggested that PcG proteins might have additional functions, including targeting active genes or acting independently of gene expression regulation. However, the reasons for the implication of PcG proteins and their associated chromatin marks on active genes are still largely unknown. Here, we report that combining mutations for CURLY LEAF (CLF) and LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 (LHP1), two Arabidopsis PcG proteins, results in deregulation of expression of active genes that are targeted by PcG proteins or enriched in associated chromatin marks. We show that this deregulation is associated with accumulation of small RNAs corresponding to massive degradation of active gene transcripts. We demonstrate that transcriptionally active genes and especially those targeted by PcG proteins are prone to RNA degradation, even though deregulation of RNA degradation following the loss of function of PcG proteins is not likely to be mediated by a PcG protein-mediated chromatin environment. Therefore, we conclude that PcG protein function is essential to maintain an accurate level of RNA degradation to ensure accurate gene expression.

Root nitrate uptake in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is modulated by transcriptional and presumably posttranscriptional regulation of the NRT2.1/NRT3.1 transport system

KEY MESSAGE

Nitrate uptake in sugarcane roots is regulated at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels based on the physiological status of the plant and is likely a determinant mechanism for discrimination against nitrate. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is one of the most suitable energy crops for biofuel feedstock, but the reduced recovery of nitrogen (N) fertilizer by sugarcane roots increases the crop carbon footprint. The low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of sugarcane has been associated with the significantly low nitrate uptake, which limits the utilization of the large amount of nitrate available in agricultural soils. To understand the regulation of nitrate uptake in sugarcane roots, we identified the major canonical nitrate transporter genes (NRTs-NITRATE TRANSPORTERS) and then determined their expression profiles in roots under contrasting N conditions. Correlation of gene expression with ¹⁵N-nitrate uptake revealed that under N deprivation or inorganic N (ammonium or nitrate) supply in N-sufficient roots, the regulation of ScNRT2.1 and ScNRT3.1 expression is the predominant mechanism for the modulation of the activity of the nitrate high-affinity transport system. Conversely, in N-deficient roots, the induction of ScNRT2.1 and ScNRT3.1 transcription is not correlated with the marked repression of nitrate uptake in response to nitrate resupply or high N provision, which suggested the existence of a posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism. Our findings suggested that high-affinity nitrate uptake is regulated at the transcriptional and presumably at the posttranscriptional levels based on the physiological N status and that the regulation of NRT2.1 and NRT3.1 activity is likely a determinant mechanism for the discrimination against nitrate uptake observed in sugarcane roots, which contributes to the low NUE in this crop species.

An Integrated Regulatory Network of mRNAs, microRNAs, and lncRNAs Involved in Nitrogen Metabolism of Moso Bamboo

Nitrogen is a key macronutrient essential for plant growth and development, and its availability has a strong influence on biological processes. Nitrogen fertilizer has been widely applied in bamboo forests in recent decades; however, the mechanism of nitrogen metabolism in bamboo is not fully elucidated. Here, we characterized the morphological, physiological, and transcriptome changes of moso bamboo in response to different schemes for nitrogen addition to illuminate the regulation mechanism of nitrogen metabolism. The appropriate addition of nitrogen improved the chlorophyll content and Pn (net photosynthetic rate) of leaves, the nitrogen and ammonium contents of the seedling roots, the biomass of the whole seedling, the number of lateral roots, and the activity of enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism in the roots. Based on the whole transcriptome data of the roots, a total of 8,632 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) were identified under different nitrogen additions, such as 52 nitrate transporter genes, 6 nitrate reductase genes, 2 nitrite reductase genes, 2 glutamine synthase genes, 2 glutamate synthase genes (GOGAT), 3 glutamate dehydrogenase genes, and 431 TFs belonging to 23 families. Meanwhile, 123 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 396 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) were characterized as nitrogen responsive, respectively. Furthermore, 94 DEM-DEG pairs and 23 DEL-DEG pairs involved in nitrogen metabolism were identified. Finally, a predicted regulatory network of nitrogen metabolism was initially constructed, which included 17 nitrogen metabolic pathway genes, 15 TFs, 4 miRNAs, and 10 lncRNAs by conjoint analysis of DEGs, DEMs, and DELs and their regulatory relationships, which was supported by RNA-seq data and qPCR results. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network provides new insights into the regulation mechanism of nitrogen metabolism in bamboo, which facilitates further genetic improvement for bamboo to adapt to the fluctuating nitrogen environment.

Physiological Characteristics and Transcriptomic Dissection in Two Root Segments with Contrasting Net Fluxes of Ammonium and Nitrate of Poplar Under Low Nitrogen Availability

To investigate physiological and transcriptomic regulation mechanisms underlying the distinct net fluxes of NH4+ and NO3- in different root segments of Populus species under low nitrogen (N) conditions, we used saplings of Populus × canescens supplied with either 500 (normal N) or 50 (low N) μM NH4NO3. The net fluxes of NH4+ and NO3-, the concentrations of NH4+, amino acids and organic acids and the enzymatic activities of nitrite reductase (NiR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) in root segment II (SII, 35-70 mm to the apex) were lower than those in root segment I (SI, 0-35 mm to the apex). The net NH4+ influxes and the concentrations of organic acids were elevated, whereas the concentrations of NH4+ and NO3- and the activities of NiR and GS were reduced in SI and SII in response to low N. A number of genes were significantly differentially expressed in SII vs SI and in both segments grown under low vs normal N conditions, and these genes were mainly involved in the transport of NH4+ and NO3-, N metabolism and adenosine triphosphate synthesis. Moreover, the hub gene coexpression networks were dissected and correlated with N physiological processes in SI and SII under normal and low N conditions. These results suggest that the hub gene coexpression networks play pivotal roles in regulating N uptake and assimilation, amino acid metabolism and the levels of organic acids from the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the two root segments of poplars in acclimation to low N availability.

Spatiotemporal analysis identifies ABF2 and ABF3 as key hubs of endodermal response to nitrate

Nitrate is a nutrient and a potent signal that impacts global gene expression in plants. However, the regulatory factors controlling temporal and cell type-specific nitrate responses remain largely unknown. We assayed nitrate-responsive transcriptome changes in five major root cell types of the Arabidopsis thaliana root as a function of time. We found that gene-expression response to nitrate is dynamic and highly localized and predicted cell type-specific transcription factor (TF)-target interactions. Among cell types, the endodermis stands out as having the largest and most connected nitrate-regulatory gene network. ABF2 and ABF3 are major hubs for transcriptional responses in the endodermis cell layer. We experimentally validated TF-target interactions for ABF2 and ABF3 by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing and a cell-based system to detect TF regulation genome-wide. Validated targets of ABF2 and ABF3 account for more than 50% of the nitrate-responsive transcriptome in the endodermis. Moreover, ABF2 and ABF3 are involved in nitrate-induced lateral root growth. Our approach offers an unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution of the root response to nitrate and identifies important components of cell-specific gene regulatory networks.

New insights into the role of chrysanthemum calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinase CmCIPK23 in nitrate signaling in Arabidopsis roots

Nitrate is an important source of nitrogen and also acts as a signaling molecule to trigger numerous physiological, growth, and developmental processes throughout the life of the plant. Many nitrate transporters, transcription factors, and protein kinases participate in the regulation of nitrate signaling. Here, we identified a gene encoding the chrysanthemum calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinase CmCIPK23, which participates in nitrate signaling pathways. In Arabidopsis, overexpression of CmCIPK23 significantly decreased lateral root number and length and primary root length compared to the WT when grown on modified Murashige and Skoog medium with KNO₃ as the sole nitrogen source (modified MS). The expression of nitrate-responsive genes differed significantly between CmCIPK23-overexpressing Arabidopsis (CmCIPK23-OE) and the WT after nitrate treatment. Nitrate content was significantly lower in CmCIPK23-OE roots, which may have resulted from reduced nitrate uptake at high external nitrate concentrations (≥ 1 mM). Nitrate reductase activity and the expression of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthase genes were lower in CmCIPK23-OE roots. We also found that CmCIPK23 interacted with the transcription factor CmTGA1, whose Arabidopsis homolog regulates the nitrate response. We inferred that CmCIPK23 overexpression influences root development on modified MS medium, as well as root nitrate uptake and assimilation at high external nitrate supply. These findings offer new perspectives on the mechanisms by which the chrysanthemum CBL interacting protein kinase CmCIPK23 influences nitrate signaling.

Role of protein phosphatases in the regulation of nitrogen nutrition in plants

The reversible protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation mediated by protein kinases and phosphatases regulate different biological processes and their response to environmental cues, including nitrogen (N) availability. Nitrate assimilation is under the strict control of phosphorylation-dephosphorylation mediated post-translational regulation. The protein phosphatase family with approximately 150 members in Arabidopsis and around 130 members in rice is a promising player in N uptake and assimilation pathways. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) enhances the activation of nitrate reductase (NR) by deactivating SnRK1 and reduces the binding of inhibitory 14-3-3 proteins on NR. The functioning of nitrate transporter NPF6.3 is regulated by phosphorylation of CBL9 (Calcineurin B like protein 9) and CIPK23 (CBL interacting protein kinase 23) module. Phosphorylation by CIPK23 inhibits the activity of NPF6.3, whereas protein phosphatases (PP2C) enhance the NPF6.3-dependent nitrate sensing. PP2Cs and CIPK23 also regulate ammonium transporters (AMTs). Under either moderate ammonium supply or high N demand, CIPK23 is bound and inactivated by PP2Cs. Ammonium uptake is mediated by nonphosphorylated and active AMT1s. Whereas, under high ammonium availability, CIPK23 gets activated and phosphorylate AMT1;1 and AMT1;2 rendering them inactive. Recent reports suggest the critical role of protein phosphatases in regulating N use efficiency (NUE). In rice, PP2C9 regulates NUE by improving N uptake and assimilation. Comparative leaf proteome of wild type and PP2C9 over-expressing transgenic rice lines showed 30 differentially expressed proteins under low N level. These proteins are involved in photosynthesis, N metabolism, signalling, and defence.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Major Facilitator Superfamily and Its Expression in Response of Poplar to Fusarium oxysporum

The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is one of the largest known membrane transporter families. MFSs are involved in many essential functions, but studies on the MFS family in poplar have not yet been reported. Here, we identified 41 MFS genes from Populus trichocarpa (PtrMFSs). We built a phylogenetic tree, which clearly divided members of PtrMFS into six groups with specific gene structures and protein motifs/domains. The promoter regions contain various cis-acting elements involved in stress and hormone responsiveness. Genes derived from segmental duplication events are unevenly distributed in 17 poplar chromosomes. Collinearity analysis showed that PtrMFS genes are conserved and homologous to corresponding genes from four other species. Transcriptome data indicated that 40 poplar MFS genes were differentially expressed when treated with Fusarium oxysporum. Co-expression networks and gene function annotations of MFS genes showed that MFS genes tightly co-regulated and closely related in function of transmembrane transport. Taken together, we systematically analyzed structure and function of genes and proteins in the PtrMFS family. Evidence indicated that poplar MFS genes play key roles in plant development and response to a biological stressor.

Posttranslational Modifications: Regulation of Nitrogen Utilization and Signaling

Nitrogen is the most important macroelement required for the composition of key molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins and other organic compounds. As sessile organisms, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to acquire nitrogen for their normal growth and development. Besides the transcriptional and translational regulation of nitrogen uptake, assimilation, remobilization and signal transduction, posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are shown to participate in these processes in plants. In addition to alterations in protein abundance, PTMs may dramatically increase the complexity of the proteome without the concomitant changes in gene transcription and have emerged as an important type of protein regulation in terms of protein function, subcellular localization and protein activity and stability. Herein, we briefly summarize recent advances on the posttranslational regulation of nitrogen uptake, assimilation, remobilization and nitrogen signaling and discuss the underlying mechanisms of PTMs as well as the signal output of such PTMs. Understanding these regulation mechanisms will provide novel insights for improving the nitrogen use efficiency of plants.

Genome-wide association study and transcriptome analysis reveal key genes affecting root growth dynamics in rapeseed

BACKGROUND

In terms of global demand, rapeseed is the third-largest oilseed crop after soybeans and palm, which produces vegetable oil for human consumption and biofuel for industrial production. Roots are vital organs for plant to absorb water and attain mineral nutrients, thus they are of great importance to plant productivity. However, the genetic mechanisms regulating root development in rapeseed remain unclear. In the present study, seven root-related traits and shoot biomass traits in 280 Brassica napus accessions at five continuous vegetative stages were measured to establish the genetic basis of root growth in rapeseed.

RESULTS

The persistent and stage-specific genetic mechanisms were revealed by root dynamic analysis. Sixteen persistent and 32 stage-specific quantitative trait loci (QTL) clusters were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS). Root samples with contrasting (slow and fast) growth rates throughout the investigated stages and those with obvious stage-specific changes in growth rates were subjected to transcriptome analysis. A total of 367 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with persistent differential expressions throughout root development were identified, and these DEGs were significantly enriched in GO terms, such as energy metabolism and response to biotic or abiotic stress. Totally, 485 stage-specific DEGs with different expressions at specific stage were identified, and these DEGs were enriched in GO terms, such as nitrogen metabolism. Four candidate genes were identified as key persistent genetic factors and eight as stage-specific ones by integrating GWAS, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and differential expression analysis. These candidate genes were speculated to regulate root system development, and they were less than 100 kb away from peak SNPs of QTL clusters. The homologs of three genes (BnaA03g52990D, BnaA06g37280D, and BnaA09g07580D) out of 12 candidate genes have been reported to regulate root development in previous studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Sixteen QTL clusters and four candidate genes controlling persistently root development, and 32 QTL clusters and eight candidate genes stage-specifically regulating root growth in rapeseed were detected in this study. Our results provide new insights into the temporal genetic mechanisms of root growth by identifying key candidate QTL/genes in rapeseed.

Nitrogen Uptake in Plants: The Plasma Membrane Root Transport Systems from a Physiological and Proteomic Perspective

Nitrogen nutrition in plants is a key determinant in crop productivity. The availability of nitrogen nutrients in the soil, both inorganic (nitrate and ammonium) and organic (urea and free amino acids), highly differs and influences plant physiology, growth, metabolism, and root morphology. Deciphering this multifaceted scenario is mandatory to improve the agricultural sustainability. In root cells, specific proteins located at the plasma membrane play key roles in the transport and sensing of nitrogen forms. This review outlines the current knowledge regarding the biochemical and physiological aspects behind the uptake of the individual nitrogen forms, their reciprocal interactions, the influences on root system architecture, and the relations with other proteins sustaining fundamental plasma membrane functionalities, such as aquaporins and H⁺-ATPase. This topic is explored starting from the information achieved in the model plant Arabidopsis and moving to crops in agricultural soils. Moreover, the main contributions provided by proteomics are described in order to highlight the goals and pitfalls of this approach and to get new hints for future studies.

A type 2C protein phosphatase activates high-affinity nitrate uptake by dephosphorylating NRT2.1

The nitrate transporter NRT2.1, which plays a central role in high-affinity nitrate uptake in roots, is activated at the post-translational level in response to nitrogen (N) starvation^1,2. However, the critical enzymes required for the post-translational activation of NRT2.1 remain to be identified. Here, we show that a type 2C protein phosphatase, designated CEPD-induced phosphatase (CEPH), activates high-affinity nitrate uptake by directly dephosphorylating Ser501 of NRT2.1, a residue that functions as a negative phospho-switch in Arabidopsis². CEPH is predominantly expressed in epidermal and cortex cells in roots and is upregulated by N starvation via a CEPDL2/CEPD1/2-mediated long-distance signalling from shoots^3,4. The loss of CEPH leads to marked decreases in high-affinity nitrate uptake, tissue nitrate content and plant biomass. Collectively, our results identify CEPH as a crucial enzyme in the N-starvation-dependent activation of NRT2.1 and provide molecular and mechanistic insights into how plants regulate high-affinity nitrate uptake at the post-translational level in response to the N environment.