NAD

Abstract

Many metabolic processes that occur in living cells involve oxido-reduction (redox) chemistry underpinned by redox compounds such as glutathione, ascorbate and/or pyridine nucleotides. Among these redox carriers, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the cornerstone of cellular oxidations along catabolism and is therefore essential for plant growth and development. In addition to its redox role, there is now compelling evidence that NAD is a signal molecule controlling crucial functions like primary and secondary carbon metabolism. Recent studies using integrative -omics approaches combined with molecular pathology have shown that manipulating NAD biosynthesis and recycling lead to an alteration of metabolites pools and developmental processes, and changes in the resistance to various pathogens. NAD levels should now be viewed as a potential target to improve tolerance to biotic stress and crop improvement. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the key role of NAD (and its metabolism) in plant responses to pathogen infections.

Keywords: :

• NAD
• plant defence responses
• pyridine nucleotide
• ADPr
• calcium
• redox

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Michael Hodges, leading the “Signalisation et régulation métabolique” group at Institut de Biologie des Plantes, and the University Paris Sud (Orsay, France) for their financial support. LdB is funded by the ANR EFG-MIG under BG’s direction. PP is funded by the University Paris Sud (ATER). Professor Murray Grant (University of Exeter, United Kingdom) is also greatly acknowledged for the scientific stimulation and research ideas shared with PP.

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.