Plant nitrate transport family NPF and its regulatory mechanism of protein modification.

Nitrogen is an indispensable macronutrient for plant growth, and nitrate is the main source of nitrogen for plants. The relationship between supply and demand of nitrate has a decisive impact on plant development. The NRT1/PTR family (nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family, NPF) is a major nitrate transporter family, playing a key role in nitrate uptake. In plant research, this type of protein can regulate its function through post-translational modification, thereby regulating nitrate sense, uptake, and plant development. NRT1.1 (NPF6.3/CHL1), a key member of the NPF family, functions both as a nitrate transporter and a nitrate sensor. In this review, we elucidate the role of NPF nitrate transporter proteins in regulating nitrate uptake and utilization in Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, and Zea mays, and summarize the effects of post-translational modification on nitrate transport and plant development. Finally, the prospect of related research in trees is discussed, in order to provide scientific basis and technical support for improving nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency, enhancing plant resistance to adverse conditions, and protecting ecological environment.