Lithium in plants

© 2025 The Author(s). New Phytologist © 2025 New Phytologist Foundation.

Détails bibliographiques
Publié dans:The New phytologist. - 1979. - 248(2025), 4 vom: 19. Okt., Seite 1639-1654
Auteur principal: Garcia-Daga, Sebastian (Auteur)
Autres auteurs: Fischer, Sina, Gilliham, Matthew
Format: Article en ligne
Langue:English
Publié: 2025
Accès à la collection:The New phytologist
Sujets:Journal Article Review ROS ion homeostasis ion toxicity lithium lithium transport phytoremediation plant nutrition salinity plus... salinity stress trace elements Lithium 9FN79X2M3F
Description
Résumé:© 2025 The Author(s). New Phytologist © 2025 New Phytologist Foundation.
The physiological significance of lithium (Li+) remains largely unexplored in plants despite its consistent presence in at least trace concentrations in plant tissues. While Li+ has traditionally been associated with salinity-like stress symptoms and presumed to utilise sodium (Na+) transport pathways, accumulating evidence points to multiple differences in Li+ and Na+ transport and toxicity responses. Notably, the existence of a putative Li+-specific transporter and the poor Li+ permeability of some Na+ transporters challenge the prevailing dogma of shared transport pathways. In addition, Li+ specific effects on reactive oxygen species further differentiate it from being a Na+ analogue. Moreover, Li+ can strongly displace magnesium (Mg2+) from enzyme binding sites and also directly interact with nucleic acids, effects that have been largely overlooked in plants, but are likely to be central to its biological impact. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of Li+ transport and molecular interactions, highlighting emerging concepts, knowledge gaps, and new opportunities. As global Li+ demand rises due to its role in batteries, understanding how plants tolerate and mobilise Li+ may open exciting new biotechnological applications for recycling industrial waste, phytoremediation of contaminated soils and biofortification of Li-enriched foods
Description:Date Completed 16.10.2025
Date Revised 18.10.2025
published: Print-Electronic
Citation Status MEDLINE
ISSN:1469-8137
DOI:10.1111/nph.70523