The role of NAD biosynthesis in plant development and stress responses

Pyridine nucleotides are essential for electron transport and serve as co-factors in multiple metabolic processes in all organisms. Each nucleotide has a particular role in metabolism. For instance, the NAD/NADP ratio is believed to be responsible for sustaining the functional status of plant cells. However, since enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of NAD and NADP have not been fully identified, the physiological functions of these co-enzymes in plant growth and development are largely unknown. This Botanical Briefing covers progress in the developmental and stress-related roles of genes associated with NAD biosynthesis in plants. Special attention will be given to assessments of physiological impacts through the modulation of NAD and NADP biosynthesis. The significance of NAD biosynthesis in plant development and NADP biosynthesis in plant stress tolerance is summarized in this Briefing. Further investigation of cells expressing a set of NAD biosynthetic genes would facilitate understanding of regulatory mechanisms by which plant cells maintain NAD homeostasis.