title: The role of NAD biosynthesis in plant development and stress responses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pyridine nucleotides are essential for electron transport and serve as co-factors in multiple metabolic processes in all organisms. Each nucleotide has a particular role in metabolism. For instance, the NAD/NADP ratio is believed to be responsible for sustaining the functional status of plant cells. However, since enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of NAD and NADP have not been fully identified, the physiological functions of these co-enzymes in plant growth and development are largely unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  This Botanical Briefing covers progress in the developmental and stress-related roles of genes associated with NAD biosynthesis in plants. Special attention will be given to assessments of physiological impacts through the modulation of NAD and NADP biosynthesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The significance of NAD biosynthesis in plant development and NADP biosynthesis in plant stress tolerance is summarized in this Briefing. Further investigation of cells expressing a set of NAD biosynthetic genes would facilitate understanding of regulatory mechanisms by which plant cells maintain NAD homeostasis.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.
authors.forename: Shin-nosuke
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Hashida
authors.forename: Hideyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: Hirofumi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Uchimiya
mesh_terms: D017343:Genes, Plant; D009243:NAD / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009249:NADP / Q000096:biosynthesis; D063245:Plant Development; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013312:Stress, Physiological
chemical_list: D009243:NAD; D009249:NADP