SnRK1 in stress adaptation and growth regulation: Insights from Arabidopsis to crops

For their survival and fitness, organisms must optimize energy utilization and metabolic adaptation in fluctuating environmental conditions. The Sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1)-Related Kinase 1 (SnRK1) protein complex serves as a central regulator of plant energy metabolism, and recent studies have revealed that it is also required to maintain stem cell activity. This review summarizes the multilayered regulatory mechanisms that govern SnRK1 activity and describes recent advances in our understanding of its roles in stress resistance and growth promotion. We integrate findings from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and major crops, highlighting conserved mechanisms and species-specific differences. This information will facilitate the use of SnRK1 genetic resources in intelligent crop breeding.