Potential roles of mitochondrial carrier proteins in plant responses to abiotic stress

The transport of metabolites across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) is crucial for maintaining energy balance and efficient distribution of metabolic intermediates between cellular compartments. Under abiotic stress, mitochondrial function becomes particularly critical, activating complex signaling pathways essential for plant stress responses. These pathways modulate stress-responsive gene expression, influencing key physiological processes such as cell respiration and senescence, helping plants adapt to stress. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of finely tuned regulation of mitochondrial metabolite transport through the IMM, particularly under stress conditions, to optimize plant survival and resilience. This review summarizes current knowledge of the possible roles of mitochondrial transport proteins and their contributions to plant adaptation under abiotic stress. Mitochondrial carrier proteins play essential roles in plant responses to abiotic stress by regulating metabolite transport and energy balance. They help plants adapt to challenges such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, supporting cellular processes and resilience.