Molecular mechanisms of phosphate transport and signaling in higher plants

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. To adapt to low inorganic-phosphate (P_i) environments, plants have evolved complex mechanisms and pathways that regulate the acquisition and remobilization of P_i and maintain P homeostasis. These mechanisms are regulated by complex gene regulatory networks through the functions of P_i transporters (PTs) and P_i starvation-induced (PSI) genes. This review summarizes recent progress in determining the molecular regulatory mechanisms of phosphate transporters and the P_i signaling network in the dicot Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and the monocot rice (Oryza sativa L.). Recent advances in this field provide a reference for understanding plant P_i signaling and specific mechanisms that mediate plant adaptation to environments with limited P_i availability. We propose potential biotechnological applications of known genes to develop plant cultivars with improved P_i uptake and use efficiency.

Keywords: Arabidopsis; Phosphate starvation response (PSR); Phosphorus; Rice; Signal transduction.