Update: SnRK1 kinase as a central mediator of energy signaling between different organelles (Plant Physiology)

The heterotrimeric SNF1-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1) in plants is an orthologue of yeast SNF1 (sucrose non-fermenting 1) kinase and the mammalian AMPK (AMP-58 activated protein kinase). A significant array of genetic evidence during the past years has identified SnRK1 as a key regulator of cellular metabolism during starvation and nutrient acquisition. Yet, the connections between cytoplasmic and nuclear localized SnRK1 is still unknown, and whether there is any correlation of SnRK1 with the plant energy factories like plastids and mitochondria still remains to be investigated. Wurzinger et al. have given a broad overview reflecting current knowledge of SnRK1 in organelle interaction and its mechanistic basis. The review covers the role of SnRK1 in: metabolic re-programming and hormone signalling during growth and stress, developmental transitions, and signalling to organelles by post-translational modification of transcription factors. As this review demonstrates, SnRK1 has different functions across different tissues and provides many opportunities for further research. (Summary by Amey Redkar) Plant Physiol. 10.1104/pp.17.01404