Xuyen from Vietnam researchers the molecular process by which plants create fuel for mitochondria – the ‘engine’ of plant growth – to address global food security and supply issues.

Her PhD thesis highlighted the extensive metabolic flexibility of plant mitochondria, focusing on the multiple layers that regulate pyruvate (or sugars) import and usage. Xuyen found that plants have multiple isoforms which are delivered in a variety of ways. Importantly, plants control metabolic fluxes by substrate channelling-like events to prioritise the usage of imported pyruvate for respiration and production.

This research highlights how plant respiration is a foundational biological process with the potential to be optimized to improve crop yield – improving food security. The sources and usage of respiratory substrates vary and are increasing found to be highly regulated based on cell processes and environmental factors. Respiration could be optimised by introducing, improving, or controlling specific mitochondrial transporters and mitochondrial catabolic pathways.