Triose Phosphate Utilization: Mechanisms and Environmental Interactions in Photosynthesis

Triose phosphate utilization (TPU) is emerging as an important regulator of photosynthesis, especially under conditions where traditional biochemical limitations are alleviated, such as elevated CO₂, high light, or shifts in plant source–sink balance. While the molecular and physiological foundations of TPU have been explored in controlled settings, its broader integration with plant carbon allocation, environmental responses, and whole-plant performance remains incompletely understood.

This Research Topic aims to bring together studies investigating how TPU interacts with photosynthetic efficiency, metabolic regulation, and plant adaptation across diverse environmental conditions. We welcome contributions addressing TPU from molecular, physiological, biochemical, ecological or agronomic perspectives, including its role in stress responses, source–sink dynamics, fruit growth, and crop performance under climate change.

Submissions may explore, but are not limited to:
• Genetic and molecular pathways influencing TPU
• How abiotic stresses (drought, heat, salinity, elevated CO₂) affect TPU and downstream carbon metabolism
• Interactions between TPU and other photosynthetic limitations
• The role of TPU in source–sink balance, fruit development or carbon allocation
• Biotechnological and breeding efforts aimed at improving photosynthesis through TPU regulation
• Modeling TPU dynamics within leaves, canopies or ecosystems
• Comparative or cross-species analyses of TPU responses

We encourage original research, perspectives and methodological papers that broaden current understanding of TPU and its implications for plant function, productivity and resilience.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: triose phosphate utilization, photosynthesis, source–sink dynamics, environmental stress, carbon dioxide regulation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.