Differential ion transport mechanisms in arabidopsis and crops

• Published in: Trends in plant science
• Main Authors: Nieves-Cordones, Manuel, Rubio, Francisco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 04.06.2025
• Subjects: arabidopsis; Potassium; rice; Sodium; tomato; transport; transport; tomato; Sodium; rice; Potassium; arabidopsis; sodium; potassium
• ISSN: 1360-1385; 1878-4372; 1878-4372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2025.05.007

•Root K+ uptake is largely mediated by AKT1-like K+ channels and HAK5-like K+/H+ symporters in the species studied so far. However, AKT1 channels dominate K+ uptake in Arabidopsis whereas HAK symporters dominate K+ transport in rice and, in tomato, there is an intermediate situation.•A subgroup of HAK transporters (clade IV), found in tomato, rice and maize, while missing in Arabidopsis, contribute to salt tolerance by mediating Na+ transport.•HAK transporters play a pivotal role in fertility and plant yield in tomato and rice. In particular, HAK5-like transporters are required for proper pollen germination and tube elongation.•Regulation of the ion transport systems by Ca2+-signaling networks has evolved differently in Arabidopsis and tomato. For instance, the SKOR K+ channel is inhibited by CIPK23-CBL1/9 complexes in tomato but not in Arabidopsis. The ability of plants to cope with environmental fluctuations relies on efficient sensing, signaling and response mechanisms. In this regard, the functionality and regulation of ion transport systems are critical for plant resilience under challenging conditions. Most studies on this subject have been carried out in arabidopsis which has led to the rapid development of general molecular models for ion transport. However, research conducted in recent years unveiled substantial differences between arabidopsis and crops such as tomato or rice. These differences relate to the energization of root K+ uptake, and the role of HAK transporters in salt tolerance, fertility, and Ca2+-signaling regulatory networks. We conclude that research beyond arabidopsis is required to uncover the species-specific mechanisms governing climate change resilience. The ability of plants to cope with environmental fluctuations relies on efficient sensing, signaling and response mechanisms. In this regard, the functionality and regulation of ion transport systems are critical for plant resilience under challenging conditions. Most studies on this subject have been carried out in arabidopsis which has led to the rapid development of general molecular models for ion transport. However, research conducted in recent years unveiled substantial differences between arabidopsis and crops such as tomato or rice. These differences relate to the energization of root K+ uptake, and the role of HAK transporters in salt tolerance, fertility, and Ca2+-signaling regulatory networks. We conclude that research beyond arabidopsis is required to uncover the species-specific mechanisms governing climate change resilience.