Root-derived small peptides: Key regulators of plant development, stress resilience, and nutrient acquisition.

Small peptides (SPs), emerging as crucial signaling molecules in plants, regulate diverse processes such as plant development, stress tolerance, and nutrient acquisition. Consisting of fewer than 100 amino acids, SPs are classified into two main groups: precursor-derived SPs and small open reading frame (sORF)-encoded SPs, including miRNA-encoded SPs. SPs are secreted from various plant parts, with root-derived SPs playing particularly significant roles in stress tolerance and nutrient uptake.