R type anion channel: a multifunctional channel seeking its molecular identity.
Plant genomes code for channels involved in the transport of cations, anions and uncharged molecules through membranes. Although the molecular identity of channels for cations and uncharged molecules has progressed rapidly in the recent years, the molecular identity of anion channels has lagged behind. Electrophysiological studies have identified S-type (slow) and R-type (rapid) anion channels. In this brief review, we summarize the proposed functions of the R-type anion channels which, like the S-type, were first characterized by electrophysiology over 20 years ago, but unlike the S-type, have still yet to be cloned. We show that the R-type channel can play multiple roles.
Institut des Sciences du Végétal, CNRS UPR 2355, Gif sur Yvette, France.
Eugene
E
Diatloff
Rémi
R
Peyronnet
Jean
J
Colcombet
Sébastien
S
Thomine
Hélène
H
Barbier-Brygoo
Jean-Marie
JM
Frachisse
D020908:Calcium Channels, R-Type / Q000502:physiology*; D020013:Calcium Signaling; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000502:physiology*; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism*
D020908:Calcium Channels, R-Type; D010940:Plant Proteins