Photorespiration in plant adaptation to environmental changes

Photorespiration begins with the oxygenation reaction catalyzed by 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and serves as a repair pathway for carbon retrieval by converting 2-phosphoglycolate to 3-phosphoglycerate, allowing plants to thrive in an oxygen-rich environment. Photorespiration metabolism is intimately linked to plant primary metabolism, particularly carbon and nitrogen assimilation, and cellular redox equilibrium, and such interactions are dynamically regulated by environmental changes. Although the basic genetics and biochemistry of photorespiration have been well characterized, it is still essential to further improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of photorespiration and the roles in responding to changing environments, which are required for the future genetic manipulation of photorespiration. Here, we summarize recent progress regarding the evolutionary aspects of photorespiration and its multifaceted regulation, highlighting its intricate interactions with environmental CO2, light, and nitrogen nutrition. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on the functional implications of photorespiration for plants to adapt to the environment and opens new avenues for our in-depth exploration of photorespiration to develop better strategies to enhance plant productivity and adaptability in the face of changing environmental conditions.