title: Inositol hexakisphosphate is a physiological signal regulating the K+-inward rectifying conductance in guard cells.
abstract: (RS)-2-cis, 4-trans-abscisic acid (ABA), a naturally occurring plant stress hormone, elicited rapid agonist-specific changes in myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP(6)) measured in intact guard cells of Solanum tuberosum (n = 5); these changes were not reproduced by (RS)-2-trans, 4-trans-abscisic acid, an inactive stereoisomer of ABA (n = 4). The electrophysiological effects of InsP(6) were assessed on both S. tuberosum (n = 14) and Vicia faba (n = 6) guard cell protoplasts. In both species, submicromolar concentrations of InsP(6), delivered through the patch electrode, mimicked the inhibitory effects of ABA and internal calcium (Ca(i)(2+)) on the inward rectifying K(+) current, I(K,in), in a dose-dependent manner. Steady state block of I(K,in) by InsP(6) was reached much more quickly in Vicia (3 min at approximately 1 microM) than Solanum (20-30 min). The effects of InsP(6) on I(K,in) were specific to the myo-inositol isomer and were not elicited by other conformers of InsP(6) (e.g., scyllo- or neo-). Chelation of Ca(2+) by inclusion of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid or EGTA in the patch pipette together with InsP(6) prevented the inhibition of I(K,in), suggesting that the effect is Ca(2+) dependent. InsP(6) was approximately 100-fold more potent than Ins(1,4,5)P(3) in modulating I(K,in). Thus ABA increases InsP(6) in guard cells, and InsP(6) is a potent Ca(2+)-dependent inhibitor of I(K,in). Taken together, these results suggest that InsP(6) may play a major role in the physiological response of guard cells to ABA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lemtiri-Chlieh
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: MacRobbie
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Brearley
mesh_terms: D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D004533:Egtazic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D015544:Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D010833:Phytic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D010940:Plant Proteins; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D011523:Protoplasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011198:Solanum tuberosum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D002614:Chelating Agents; D010940:Plant Proteins; D015221:Potassium Channels; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D004533:Egtazic Acid; D010833:Phytic Acid; D015544:Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; C025603:1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid