An integrative molecular systems approach unravels mechanisms underlying biphasic nitrate uptake by plant nitrate transporter NRT1.1.

ABSTRACT: Elucidating the mechanisms of transport kinetics in plants is crucial to develop crops that can use nutrients efficiently. The plant nitrate transporter NRT1.1 rapidly switches between high- and low-affinity transport modes to maintain an optimal uptake amidst fluctuations in nitrate levels. This functional switch is regulated by NRT1.1 phosphorylation, but the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, using an integrated molecular and systems-level modeling, we identify mechanisms underlying biphasic behaviour of NRT1.1. Phosphorylation of NRT1.1 and its binding to nitrate impacts its overall flexibility and synergistically modulates its global conformation, impacting the nitrate transport rate. Integrating these observations with a regulatory network involving kinases CIPK8/CIPK

SUBMITTER: Subhadarshini S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12518564 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature