Crosstalk and coordination of TOR, SnRK1, and ABA in plant metabolic and environmental adaptation

In plants, growth and stress responses are tightly regulated by complex signaling networks that integrate environmental cues and internal energy states. The TOR (Target of Rapamycin) and SnRK1 (Snf1-related kinase 1) pathways play critical and opposing roles in this regulation. TOR promotes anabolic processes, such as protein synthesis and cell proliferation, facilitating growth when resources are abundant. In contrast, SnRK1 activates catabolic pathways under stress or nutrient deficiency, conserving energy and promoting survival. Recent studies have revealed significant crosstalk between TOR and SnRK1, highlighting their coordinated roles in maintaining metabolic balance. Furthermore, ABA (Abscisic acid), a key hormone in plants, interacts with both TOR and SnRK1, forming a regulatory axis that finely tunes plant growth and adaptation to environmental stresses. This review explores the regulatory mechanisms of TOR and SnRK1, the crosstalk between TOR and SnRK1 signaling, and the TOR-ABA-SnRK1 signaling network. It focuses on how these pathways collectively manage plant responses to fluctuating resources and environmental challenges. By understanding this balancing mechanism, we can identify strategies to enhance plant resilience and productivity in agricultural systems.