Role of plant neurotransmitters in salt stress: A critical review

• Published in: Plant physiology and biochemistry Vol. 211; p. 108601
• Main Authors: Malakar, Paheli, Gupta, Santosh K., Chattopadhyay, Debasis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Melatonin; Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism; Neurotransmitters; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plants - metabolism; Salt Stress; Salt Tolerance; Serotonin; Signal Transduction; γ-aminobutyric acid; Neurotransmitters; Melatonin; Salt stress; Serotonin; γ-aminobutyric acid
• ISSN: 0981-9428; 1873-2690; 1873-2690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108601

Neurotransmitters are naturally found in many plants, but the molecular processes that govern their actions still need to be better understood. Acetylcholine, γ-Aminobutyric acid, histamine, melatonin, serotonin, and glutamate are the most common neurotransmitters in animals, and they all play a part in the development and information processing. It is worth noting that all these chemicals have been found in plants. Although much emphasis has been placed on understanding how neurotransmitters regulate mood and behaviour in humans, little is known about how they regulate plant growth and development. In this article, the information was reviewed and updated considering current thinking on neurotransmitter signaling in plants' metabolism, growth, development, salt tolerance, and the associated avenues for underlying research. The goal of this study is to advance neurotransmitter signaling research in plant biology, especially in the area of salt stress physiology. •Plants are the natural source of neurotransmitters. The most common are Melatonin, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and glutamate.•The role of melatonin in salt tolerance is increasing, although the molecular bases for melatonin-regulated salt response in plants remain obscure.•GABA protects chloroplast structure and PSII functionality in salt stress. More research in crop plants remains to be established.•Serotonin and its regulation of auxin responses enhance root growth and increase the ability to confer salt tolerance in plants.•Neurotransmitters and plant hormone interactions reduce salt stress-induced oxidative damage.