Potassium signaling in plant abiotic responses: Crosstalk with calcium and reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species

Potassium ion (K+) has been regarded as an essential signaling in plant growth and development. K+ transporters and channels at transcription and protein levels have been made great progress. K+ can enhance plant abiotic stress resistance. Meanwhile, it is now clear that calcium (Ca2(+)), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) act as signaling molecules in plants. They regulate plant growth and development and mediate K+ transport. However, the interaction of K+ with these signaling molecules remains unclear. K+ may crosstalk with Ca2(+) and ROS/RNS in abiotic stress responses in plants. Also, there are interactions among K+, Ca2(+), and ROS/RNS signaling pathways in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. They regulate ion homeostasis, antioxidant system, and stress resistance-related gene expression in plants. Future work needs to focus on the deeper understanding of molecular mechanism of crosstalk among K+, Ca2(+), and ROS/RNS under abiotic stress.

Automated summary

Potassium ion is an essential signaling molecule in plant growth and development. It interacts with calcium, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species to regulate plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses.