Metabolism, Perception, and Functions of Inositol (pyro)phosphates in Plants

Inositol phosphates and pyrophosphates are small, water-soluble molecules involved in a range of physiological processes across eukaryotic organisms, including plants. Over the past two decades, significant advancements in inositol (pyro)phosphate detection and chemical synthesis, coupled with the characterization of plant mutants and the structural analysis of receptors and associated proteins, have greatly enhanced our understanding of their production, degradation, and perception in plants. This growing knowledge base demonstrates that inositol (pyro)phosphates are crucial for regulating key processes, such as phosphorus homeostasis, hormone signaling, and plant-microbe interactions. We provide a global perspective on these processes, highlighting recent discoveries, new possibilities, and unresolved questions.