Trehalose-6-phosphate: Biosynthesis, plant metabolism, and crop yields

Abstract Trehalose is a stress-response disaccharide commonly found in yeasts, bacteria, plants, and invertebrates. In plants, its purpose is uncertain, but some studies suggest it protects against abiotic stressors like chilling, heat, drought, and salinity. It is an osmoprotectant and a stabilizing agent for higher animals and plants. Some trehalose metabolism mutants show growth abnormalities, which could compromise plant physiology. Biotic stress causes contradictory results as well. It is also crucial for pathogen infectivity and plant defensive response. In our opinion, trehalose should not be considered only as a defensive sugar but rather as a molecule with two identities. It is an exceptional molecule that maintains the plant's vigor despite severe environmental conditions. Arabidopsis plants have been used to treat Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. There's no doubt that what we have just learned about this disaccharide will take us down many roads we've never been down before.