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Abstract To successfully survive, develop, grow and reproduce, multicellular organisms must coordinate their molecular, physiological, developmental and metabolic responses among their different cells and tissues. This process is mediated by cell‐to‐cell, vascular and/or volatile communication, and involves electric, chemical and/or hydraulic signals. Within this context, stomata serve a dual role by coordinating their responses to the environment with their neighbouring cells at the epidermis, but also with other stomata present on other parts of the plant. As stomata represent one of the most important conduits between the plant and its above‐ground environment, as well as directly affect photosynthesis, respiration and the hydraulic status of the plant by controlling its gas and vapour exchange with the atmosphere, coordinating the overall response of stomata within and between different leaves and tissues plays a cardinal role in plant growth, development and reproduction. Here, we discuss different examples of local and systemic stomatal coordination, the different signalling pathways that mediate them, and the importance of systemic stomatal coordination to our food supply, ecosystems and weather patterns, under our changing climate. We further discuss the potential biotechnological implications of regulating systemic stomatal responses for enhancing agricultural productivity in a warmer and CO2‐rich environment.
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This content will become publicly available on July 1, 2026
Decoding Long‐Distance Communication Under Mineral Stress: Advances in Vascular Signalling and Molecular Tools for Plant Resilience
ABSTRACT Mineral nutrients are essential for plant growth, development and crop yield. Under mineral deficient conditions, plants rely on a sophisticated network of signalling pathways to coordinate their molecular, physiological, and morphological responses. Recent research has shown that long‐distance signalling pathways play a pivotal role in maintaining mineral homeostasis and optimising growth. This review explores the intricate mechanisms of long‐distance signalling under mineral deficiencies, emphasising its importance as a communication network between roots and shoots. Through the vascular tissues, plants transport an array of signalling molecules, including phytohormones, small RNAs, proteins, small peptides, and mobile mRNAs, to mediate systemic responses. Vascular tissues, particularly companion cells, are critical hubs for sensing and relaying mineral deficiency signals, leading to rapid changes in mineral uptake and optimised root morphology. We highlight the roles of key signalling molecules in regulating mineral acquisition and stress adaptation. Advances in molecular tools, including TRAP‐Seq, heterografting, and single‐cell RNA sequencing, have recently unveiled novel aspects of long‐distance signalling and its regulatory components. These insights underscore the essential role of vascular‐mediated communication in enabling plants to navigate heterogeneous mineral distribution environments and suggest new avenues for improving crop resilience and mineral use efficiency.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2224839
- PAR ID:
- 10627362
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Plant, Cell & Environment
- Volume:
- 48
- Issue:
- 7
- ISSN:
- 0140-7791
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 4781 to 4802
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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