dlvr.it
The emerging role of apoplastic H+ in plant signaling
Protons (H+), commonly measured as pH, represent a fundamental physiological parameter in cellular systems. In plants, cytoplasmic H+ levels are tightly regulated to maintain homeostasis, whereas apoplastic H+ concentrations fluctuate dynamically in response to stress and developmental cues. This review discusses and scrutinizes the roles of apoplastic H+ fluctuations in transmitting stress and developmental cues, focusing on their interactions with established regulatory elements, such as phytohormones, H2O2, and peptide–receptor complexes, as well as other functional proteins, within stress and developmental signaling networks. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying apoplastic H+ as a pivotal regulator of plant adaptation and development open promising avenues for future research to enhance plant resilience and productivity under diverse environmental challenges.