The role of SnRK1 and TOR kinases in plant nitrogen signaling

Nitrogen (N) is essential for plant growth and development. Numerous studies have demonstrated that N signaling is closely intertwined with carbon (C) levels. However, the relationship between C/N metabolism and plant growth remains largely elusive. Two highly conserved metabolic regulators across all eukaryotic lines—the protein kinases sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1)-related kinase 1 (SnRK1) and target of rapamycin (TOR)— are emerging as key integrators that connect C/N status with growth, underscoring their crucial roles in cellular metabolism.