Nitrogen (N) nutrition relies on root acquisition of mineral resources, as well as on symbiotic N₂ fixation by soil bacteria in legume plants.

Both processes are regulated by systemic signaling pathways aiming to adjust N acquisition depending on plant N needs and assimilation capacities.

Similar effectors acting in systemic signaling pathways are shared between these two N nutrition modes, including hormones such as cytokinins and peptide hormones, as well as related NIN-like protein (NLP) transcription factors.

Recent advances highlighted that systemic signaling pathways linked to N fixation and acquisition are tightly related to phosphate systemic signaling.

Light and/or CO₂ shoot environmental factors impact N systemic signaling, suggesting mechanisms allowing the integration of N and C signaling and metabolism.

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