The role of sugar transporters in the battle for carbon between plants and pathogens

Abstract

In photosynthetic cells, plants convert carbon dioxide to sugars that can be moved between cellular compartments by transporters before being subsequently metabolized to support plant growth and development. Most pathogens cannot synthesize sugars directly but have evolved mechanisms to obtain plant-derived sugars as C resource for successful infection and colonization. The availability of sugars to pathogens can determine resistance or susceptibility. Here, we summarize current progress on the roles of sugar transporters in plant–pathogen interactions. We highlight how transporters are manipulated antagonistically by both host and pathogens in competing for sugars. We examine the potential application of this target in resistance breeding and discuss opportunities and challenges for the future.