Advances in Plant GABA Research: Biological Functions, Synthesis Mechanisms and Regulatory Pathways
Yixuan Hu,
Xin Huang,
Qinglai Xiao,
Xuan Wu,
Qi Tian,
Wenyi Ma,
Noman Shoaib,
Yajie Liu,
Hui Zhao,
Zongyun Feng,
Guowu Yu
Affiliations
Yixuan Hu
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Xin Huang
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Qinglai Xiao
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Xuan Wu
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Qi Tian
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Wenyi Ma
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Noman Shoaib
Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
Yajie Liu
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Hui Zhao
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Zongyun Feng
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Guowu Yu
State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a widely distributed neurotransmitter in living organisms, known for its inhibitory role in animals. GABA exerts calming effects on the mind, lowers blood pressure in animals, and enhances stress resistance during the growth and development of plants. Enhancing GABA content in plants has become a focal point of current research. In plants, GABA is synthesized through two metabolic pathways, the GABA shunt and the polyamine degradation pathway, with the GABA shunt being the primary route. Extensive studies have investigated the regulatory mechanisms governing GABA synthesis. At the genetic level, GABA production and degradation can be modulated by gene overexpression, signaling molecule-induced expression, transcription factor regulation, and RNA interference. Additionally, at the level of transporter proteins, increased activity of GABA transporters and proline transporters enhances the transport of glutamate and GABA. The activity of glutamate decarboxylase, a key enzyme in GABA synthesis, along with various external factors, also influences GABA synthesis. This paper summarizes the biological functions, metabolic pathways, and regulatory mechanisms of GABA, providing a theoretical foundation for further research on GABA in plants.
