NHX Transporters: Molecular Mechanisms and Applications for Enhancing Crop Resilience to Soil Salinity in Changing Environments

Abstract

Soil salinity threatens global crop productivity by disrupting plant growth and development, and its severity is increasing under climate change. Na+/H+ antiporters (NHXs) are central to maintaining osmotic balance and ion homeostasis under salt stress, regulating cytosolic Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), and Hydrogen (H+). This review provides an in-depth synthesis of recent advances in understanding NHX gene families across diverse plant species, highlighting Na+/K+ selectivity, transport mechanisms, regulatory pathways, and conserved structure-function and evolutionary features. We outline the potential for improving salinity tolerance through advanced genetic methodologies, including genome engineering and marker-assisted breeding, and examine the interactions between NHX proteins, abscisic acid signaling, and beneficial microorganisms. We also note emerging adjunct approaches using organic and nanomaterials to modulate NHX activity. Together, these insights offer an integrated perspective on NHX-mediated pathways and regulation, and delineate practical avenues for deploying NHX-informed strategies to develop salt-tolerant crops and advance sustainable agriculture in the context of climate change.