Advances in Plant GABA Research: Biological Functions, Synthesis Mechanisms and Regulatory Pathways

Autor: Yixuan Hu, Xin Huang, Qinglai Xiao, Xuan Wu, Qi Tian, Wenyi Ma, Noman Shoaib, Yajie Liu, Hui Zhao, Zongyun Feng, Guowu Yu
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Plants, Vol 13, Iss 20, p 2891 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2223-7747
DOI: 10.3390/plants13202891
Popis: The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a widely distributed neurotransmitter in living organisms, known for its inhibitory role in animals. GABA exerts calming effects on the mind, lowers blood pressure in animals, and enhances stress resistance during the growth and development of plants. Enhancing GABA content in plants has become a focal point of current research. In plants, GABA is synthesized through two metabolic pathways, the GABA shunt and the polyamine degradation pathway, with the GABA shunt being the primary route. Extensive studies have investigated the regulatory mechanisms governing GABA synthesis. At the genetic level, GABA production and degradation can be modulated by gene overexpression, signaling molecule-induced expression, transcription factor regulation, and RNA interference. Additionally, at the level of transporter proteins, increased activity of GABA transporters and proline transporters enhances the transport of glutamate and GABA. The activity of glutamate decarboxylase, a key enzyme in GABA synthesis, along with various external factors, also influences GABA synthesis. This paper summarizes the biological functions, metabolic pathways, and regulatory mechanisms of GABA, providing a theoretical foundation for further research on GABA in plants.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals