Nitrate, ammonium, and potassium sensing and signaling

Plants acquire numerous nutrients from the soil. In addition, nutrients elicit many physiological and morphological responses especially in roots. Recently, there has been significant progress in identifying the sensing and regulatory mechanisms of several essential nutrients. In this review, we describe the newly identified signaling components of nitrate, ammonium, and potassium, focusing specifically on the initial sensing steps.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (242 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Nitrate transporter CHL1 also functions a nitrate sensor (transceptor). ▶ Phosphorylation statuses of CHL1 T101 residue are regulated by external nitrate concentration in the soil. ▶ Phosphorylation statuses of T101 can switch the affinities of CHL1 transport activity, and induce different levels of nitrate regulated transcriptional response.