Research progress in plant sugar transporter SWEETs

The synthesis, metabolism and transport of plant carbohydrates in different tissues and organs of"source-sink-flow"are essential for the normal life activities of organism. Among them, the short-distance or long-distance transport of sugars, such as sucrose, glucose and fructose, play a key role in the"flow"from source to sink, the transport and distribution of carbohydrates require the synergistic involvement of multiple cellular sugar transporters. Sugars will eventually be exported transporters(SWEETs)exhibit diverse functions, participating in regulating important physiological processes such as nutrient allocation, utilization, tissue organ growth, and development, as well as responding to biotic and abiotic stress by maintaining or regulating cellular sugar levels. This review summarizes the research progress in the basic structural characteristics, physiological functions, and stress responses of the SWEETs gene family, which holds significant implications for understanding plant cellular physiology and research areas like biotic breeding.