The Complex Fine-Tuning of K<sup>+</sup> Fluxes in Plants in Relation to Osmotic and Ionic Abiotic Stresses

oleh: Isabelle Chérel, Isabelle Gaillard

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2019-02-01

Deskripsi

As the main cation in plant cells, potassium plays an essential role in adaptive responses, especially through its involvement in osmotic pressure and membrane potential adjustments. K<sup>+</sup> homeostasis must, therefore, be finely controlled. As a result of different abiotic stresses, especially those resulting from global warming, K<sup>+</sup> fluxes and plant distribution of this ion are disturbed. The hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is a key player in responses to these climate stresses. It triggers signaling cascades that ultimately lead to modulation of the activities of K<sup>+</sup> channels and transporters. After a brief overview of transcriptional changes induced by abiotic stresses, this review deals with the post-translational molecular mechanisms in different plant organs, in <i>Arabidopsis</i> and species of agronomical interest, triggering changes in K<sup>+</sup> uptake from the soil, K<sup>+</sup> transport and accumulation throughout the plant, and stomatal regulation. These modifications involve phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms, modifications of targeting, and interactions with regulatory partner proteins. Interestingly, many signaling pathways are common to K<sup>+</sup> and Cl<sup>&#8722;</sup>/NO3<sup>&#8722;</sup> counter-ion transport systems. These cross-talks are also addressed.