An Arabidopsis mutant line lacking the mitochondrial calcium transport regulator MICU shows an altered metabolite profile

Plant metabolism is constantly changing and requires input signals for efficient regulation. The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) couples organellar and cytoplasmic calcium oscillations leading to oxidative metabolism regulation in a vast array of species. In Arabidopsis thaliana, genetic deletion of AtMICU leads to altered mitochondrial calcium handling and ultrastructure. Here we aimed to further assess the consequences upon genetic deletion of AtMICU. Our results confirm that AtMICU safeguards intracellular calcium transport associated with carbohydrate, amino acid, and phytol metabolism modifications. The implications of such alterations are discussed.

Automated summary

Plant metabolism relies on input signals for regulation, and the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) plays a crucial role in this process. Genetic deletion of AtMICU in Arabidopsis thaliana leads to alterations in mitochondrial calcium handling and ultrastructure, causing changes in carbohydrate, amino acid, and phytol metabolism. The implications of these findings are discussed.