Fuelling the top – Metabolic control of shoot apical meristem function and plant development

Plant development relies on a complex network of transcription factors and hormone signalling pathways that guide pattern formation and developmental transitions in the meristems. Yet, how this core network is regulated to enable developmental plasticity remains poorly understood. A key question is how information about nutrient availability influences growth decisions, with nutrients acting not only as substrates for energy production and anabolism but also as regulatory signals. Here, we review recent advances in plant nutrient signalling during development, focussing on how carbon and nitrogen signals inform shoot apical meristem activity. We also consider the emerging idea that meristem regulators may reciprocally influence nutrient signalling pathways and metabolism.