Getting to the roots of N, P, and K uptake.

The article focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the uptake and signaling of the essential mineral nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in plant roots, emphasizing their critical roles in plant growth and sustainable agriculture. It details the transport systems, sensors, and signaling pathways involved in nutrient acquisition, including key transporters such as NPF6.3/NRT1.1 for nitrate, PHT1 family for phosphate, and AKT1 and HAK5 for potassium, as well as the integration of nutrient signals with root system architecture (RSA) and shoot-root communication via the xylem and phloem. The review highlights long-distance signaling modules coordinating nutrient uptake with environmental factors like light and nutrient heterogeneity, and discusses genetic and phenotyping approaches to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in crops. It also addresses crosstalk among N, P, and K pathways and underscores the importance of combining molecular biology, genetics, and breeding to develop crops with enhanced nutrient acquisition for sustainable agriculture.