The Expected and Unexpected Roles of Nitrate Transporters in Plant Abiotic Stress Resistance and Their Regulation

Nitrate transporters are primarily responsible for absorption of nitrate from soil and nitrate translocation among different parts of plants. They deliver nitrate to where it is needed. However, recent studies have revealed that nitrate transporters are extensively involved in coping with adverse environmental conditions besides limited nitrate/nitrogen availability. In this review, we describe the functions of the nitrate transporters related to abiotic stresses and their regulation. The expected and unexpected roles of nitrate transporters in plant abiotic stress resistance will also be discussed.