Cation channels in the Arabidopsis plasma membrane

Abstract

In vivo analyses have identified different functional types of ion channels in various plant tissues and cells. The Arabidopsis genome contains ∼70 genes for ion channels, of which 57 might be cation-selective channels (K+, Ca2+ or poorly discriminating channels). Here, we describe the different families of (putative) cation channels: the Shakers, the two-P-domain and Kir K+ channels (encoded by the KCO genes), the cyclic-nucleotide-gated channels, the glutamate receptors, and the Ca2+ channel TPC1. We also compare molecular data with the data obtained in planta, which should lead to a better understanding of the identity of these channels and provide clues about their roles in plant nutrition and cell signalling.