Molecular insights into the structure and function of plant K+ transport mechanisms

Our understanding of plant potassium transport has increased in the past decade through the application of molecular biological techniques. In this review, recent work on inward and outward rectifying K+ channels as well as high affinity K+ transporters is described. Through the work on inward rectifying K+ channels, we now have precise details on how the structure of these proteins determines functional characteristics such as ion conduction, pH sensitivity, selectivity and voltage sensing. The physiological function of inward rectifying K+ channels in plants has been clarified through the analysis of expression patterns and mutational analysis. Two classes of outward rectifying K+ channels have now been cloned from plants and their initial characterisation is reviewed. The physiological role of one class of outward rectifying K+ channel has been demonstrated to be involved in long distance transport of K+ from roots to shoots. The molecular structure and function of two classes of energised K+ transporters are also reviewed. The first class is energised by Na+ and shares structural similarities with K+ transport mechanisms in bacteria and fungi. Structure-function studies suggest that it should be possible to increase the K+ and Na+ selectivity of these transporters, which will enhance the salt tolerance of higher plants. The second class of K+ transporter is comprised of a large gene family and appears to have a dual affinity for K+. A suite of molecular techniques, including gene cloning, oocyte expression, RNA localisation and gene inactivation, is now being used to fully characterise the biophysical and physiological function of plants K+ transport mechanisms. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.