The sucrose–trehalose 6-phosphate nexus: what’s next for plant vigour and productivity?

The sucrose-trehalose 6-phosphate nexus model states that trehalose 6-phosphate (Tre6P) is both a signal for sucrose (Suc) status and a negative feedback regulator that helps maintain Suc levels within an optimal range. The link between Suc and Tre6P is best established in Arabidopsis and other plants that transport primarily Suc, but angiosperms have evolved multiple phloem loading strategies and use alternative sugars. Annunziata et al. (2025) find conservation of the Suc-Tre6P nexus across angiosperms despite different sugars being transported, different mechanisms for phloem loading, and different photoassimilate storage strategies through day/night (diel) cycles. Tre6P as a universal signalling metabolite has implications for increasing crop vigour and productivity.