Suberin and Cytokinin: Navigating the Crossroads of Nutrient Signaling

Plants rely on 17 essential elements for growth, yet chemical fertilizers can also disrupt nutrient balance and productivity. To understand complex nutrient interactions, we analyzed RNA-seq data covering ten elements (Al, B, Cu, Fe, K, N, Mg, Mn, P, Zn) and identified 28 co-expressed gene modules, including "core modules" enriched with nutrient-responsive genes and suberin and cytokinin biosynthesis genes. Through gene regulatory network analysis, key TFs governing nutrient responses were identified and functionally validated. This research uncovers crucial TFs at the nexus of nutrient signaling pathways, enhancing understanding of plant adaptation to heterogeneous nutrient environments and crop resilience and productivity.