TORquing chromatin: the regulatory role of TOR kinase on chromatin function.

The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) kinase is a critical regulator of plant growth and development, integrating environmental and internal signals to modulate cellular processes. This review explores the emerging role of TOR in chromatin regulation, with a focus on its nuclear activities and interactions with chromatin remodeling factors. We highlight the mechanisms by which TOR influences chromatin structure and gene expression, including its involvement in histone modifications and DNA methylation. Additionally, the review discusses the interplay between TOR signaling, the cytoskeleton, and nuclear functions, emphasizing the potential of TOR to act as a bridge between cytoskeletal dynamics and chromatin regulation. Finally, besides TOR-mediated cyto-nuclear shuttling and metabolic regulation, we address the translational control of chromatin components by TOR as additional layers impacting the chromatin landscape. We also propose future research directions to further elucidate the complex regulatory network governed by TOR in plant cells.