Amino acids regulate salinity-induced potassium efflux in barley root epidermis.
The amino acid content increases substantially in salt-stressed plants. The physiological relevance of this phenomenon remains largely unknown. Using the MIFE ion flux measuring technique, we studied the effects of physiologically relevant concentrations of 26 amino acids on NaCl-induced K(+) flux from barley root epidermis. We show that 21 (of 26) amino acids caused a significant mitigation of the NaCl-induced K(+) efflux, while valine and ornithine substantially enhanced the detrimental effects of salinity on K(+) homeostasis. Our results suggest that physiologically relevant concentrations of free amino acids might contribute to plant adaptive responses to salinity by regulating K(+) transport across the plasma membrane, thus enabling maintenance of an optimal K(+)/Na(+) ratio as opposed to being merely a symptom of plant damage by stress. Investigating the specific mechanisms of such amelioration remains a key issue for future studies.
Cuin
Tracey Ann
TA
School of Agricultural Science, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 54, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia. Tracey.Cuin@utas.edu.au
Shabala
Sergey
S
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D001467:Hordeum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D019441:Plant Epidermis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology
D000596:Amino Acids; D015221:Potassium Channels; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D011188:Potassium