Non-protein amino acid “citrulline” is universal in animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi. It has extensive clinical and therapeutic implications for human and animal health. We focus on many intriguing aspects of its metabolism; such as synthesis, regulation, long-distance transport, its role as an N-carrier, and as an osmolyte using molecular and metabolic cues. We are using Arabidopsis and watermelon systems to characterize citrulline metabolism.
