The two-pore channel TPK1 gene encodes the vacuolar K+ conductance and plays a role in K+ homeostasis

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Jun 19;104(25):10726-31. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0702595104. Epub 2007 Jun 11.

Abstract

The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains five genes that encode two pore K+ (TPK) channels. The most abundantly expressed isoform of this family, TPK1, is expressed at the tonoplast where it mediates K+ -selective currents between cytoplasmic and vacuolar compartments. TPK1 open probability depends on both cytoplasmic Ca2+ and cytoplasmic pH but not on the tonoplast membrane voltage. The channel shows intrinsic rectification and can be blocked by Ba2+, tetraethylammonium, and quinine. TPK1 current was found in all shoot cell types and shows all of the hallmarks of the previously described vacuolar K (VK) tonoplast channel characterized in guard cells. Characterization of TPK1 loss-of-function mutants and TPK1-overexpressing plants shows that TPK1 has a role in intracellular K+ homeostasis affecting seedling growth at high and low ambient K+ levels. In stomata, TPK1 function is consistent with vacuolar K+ release, and removal of this channel leads to slower stomatal closure kinetics. During germination, TPK1 contributes to the radicle development through vacuolar K+ deposition to provide expansion growth or in the redistribution of essential minerals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / cytology
  • Arabidopsis / genetics
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrophysiology
  • Genes, Plant*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Homeostasis*
  • Mutation
  • Potassium / metabolism
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Vacuoles / metabolism*

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Potassium