The Role of Ethylene in Plant Responses to K(+) Deficiency

The Ethylene Biosynthetic Enzymes, 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate (ACC) Synthase (ACS) and ACC Oxidase (ACO): The Less Explored Players in Abiotic Stress Tolerance

Ethylene is an essential plant hormone, critical in various physiological processes. These processes include seed germination, leaf senescence, fruit ripening, and the plant's response to environmental stressors. Ethylene biosynthesis is tightly regulated by two key enzymes, namely 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO). Initially, the prevailing hypothesis suggested that ACS is the limiting factor in the ethylene biosynthesis pathway. Nevertheless, accumulating evidence from various studies has demonstrated that ACO, under specific circumstances, acts as the rate-limiting enzyme in ethylene production. Under normal developmental processes, ACS and ACO collaborate to maintain balanced ethylene production, ensuring proper plant growth and physiology. However, under abiotic stress conditions, such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, or pathogen attack, the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis becomes critical for plants' survival. This review highlights the structural characteristics and examines the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulation of ACS and ACO and their role under abiotic stress conditions. Reviews on the role of ethylene signaling in abiotic stress adaptation are available. However, a review delineating the role of ACS and ACO in abiotic stress acclimation is unavailable. Exploring how particular ACS and ACO isoforms contribute to a specific plant's response to various abiotic stresses and understanding how they are regulated can guide the development of focused strategies. These strategies aim to enhance a plant's ability to cope with environmental challenges more effectively.

Control of vegetative reproduction in Marchantiapolymorpha by the KAI2-ligand signaling pathway

In vegetative reproduction of Marchantia polymorpha (M. polymorpha), propagules, called gemmae, are formed in gemma cups. Despite its significance for survival, control of gemma and gemma cup formation by environmental cues is not well understood. We show here that the number of gemmae formed in a gemma cup is a genetic trait. Gemma formation starts from the central region of the floor of the gemma cup, proceeds to the periphery, and terminates when the appropriate number of gemmae is initiated. The MpKARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (MpKAI2)-dependent signaling pathway promotes gemma cup formation and gemma initiation. The number of gemmae in a cup is controlled by modulating the ON/OFF switch of the KAI2-dependent signaling. Termination of the signaling results in the accumulation of MpSMXL, a suppressor protein. In the Mpsmxl mutants, gemma initiation continues, leading to the formation of a highly increased number of gemmae in a cup. Consistent with its function, the MpKAI2-dependent signaling pathway is active in gemma cups where gemmae initiate, as well as in the notch region of the mature gemma and midrib of the ventral side of the thallus. In this work, we also show that GEMMA CUP-ASSOCIATED MYB1 works downstream of this signaling pathway to promote gemma cup formation and gemma initiation. We also found that the availability of potassium affects gemma cup formation independently from the KAI2-dependent signaling pathway in M. polymorpha. We propose that the KAI2-dependent signaling pathway functions to optimize vegetative reproduction by adapting to the environment in M. polymorpha.

Review of the Mechanisms by Which Transcription Factors and Exogenous Substances Regulate ROS Metabolism under Abiotic Stress

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are signaling molecules that regulate many biological processes in plants. However, excess ROS induced by biotic and abiotic stresses can destroy biological macromolecules and cause oxidative damage to plants. As the global environment continues to deteriorate, plants inevitably experience abiotic stress. Therefore, in-depth exploration of ROS metabolism and an improved understanding of its regulatory mechanisms are of great importance for regulating cultivated plant growth and developing cultivars that are resilient to abiotic stresses. This review presents current research on the generation and scavenging of ROS in plants and summarizes recent progress in elucidating transcription factor-mediated regulation of ROS metabolism. Most importantly, the effects of applying exogenous substances on ROS metabolism and the potential regulatory mechanisms at play under abiotic stress are summarized. Given the important role of ROS in plants and other organisms, our findings provide insights for optimizing cultivation patterns and for improving plant stress tolerance and growth regulation.

Ethylene Signaling under Stressful Environments: Analyzing Collaborative Knowledge

Ethylene is a gaseous plant growth hormone that regulates various plant developmental processes, ranging from seed germination to senescence. The mechanisms underlying ethylene biosynthesis and signaling involve multistep mechanisms representing different control levels to regulate its production and response. Ethylene is an established phytohormone that displays various signaling processes under environmental stress in plants. Such environmental stresses trigger ethylene biosynthesis/action, which influences the growth and development of plants and opens new windows for future crop improvement. This review summarizes the current understanding of how environmental stress influences plants’ ethylene biosynthesis, signaling, and response. The review focuses on (a) ethylene biosynthesis and signaling in plants, (b) the influence of environmental stress on ethylene biosynthesis, (c) regulation of ethylene signaling for stress acclimation, (d) potential mechanisms underlying the ethylene-mediated stress tolerance in plants, and (e) summarizing ethylene formation under stress and its mechanism of action.

Genome Editing Targets for Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency and Nutrient Stress Adaptation

In recent years, the development of RNA-guided genome editing (CRISPR-Cas9 technology) has revolutionized plant genome editing. Under nutrient deficiency conditions, different transcription factors and regulatory gene networks work together to maintain nutrient homeostasis. Improvement in the use efficiency of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) is essential to ensure sustainable yield with enhanced quality and tolerance to stresses. This review outlines potential targets suitable for genome editing for understanding and improving nutrient use (NtUE) efficiency and nutrient stress tolerance. The different genome editing strategies for employing crucial negative and positive regulators are also described. Negative regulators of nutrient signalling are the potential targets for genome editing, that may improve nutrient uptake and stress signalling under resource-poor conditions. The promoter engineering by CRISPR/dead (d) Cas9 (dCas9) cytosine and adenine base editing and prime editing is a successful strategy to generate precise changes. CRISPR/dCas9 system also offers the added advantage of exploiting transcriptional activators/repressors for overexpression of genes of interest in a targeted manner. CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) are variants of CRISPR in which a dCas9 dependent transcription activation or interference is achieved. dCas9-SunTag system can be employed to engineer targeted gene activation and DNA methylation in plants. The development of nutrient use efficient plants through CRISPR-Cas technology will enhance the pace of genetic improvement for nutrient stress tolerance of crops and improve the sustainability of agriculture.

Potassium in plants: Growth regulation, signaling, and environmental stress tolerance

Potassium (K) is an essential element for the growth and development of plants; however, its scarcity or excessive level leads to distortion of numerous functions in plants. It takes part in the control of various significant functions in plant advancement. Because of the importance index, K is regarded second after nitrogen for whole plant growth. Approximately, higher than 60 enzymes are reliant on K for activation within the plant system, in which K plays a vital function as a regulator. Potassium provides assistance in plants against abiotic stress conditions in the environment. With this background, the present paper reviews the physiological functions of K in plants like stomatal regulation, photosynthesis and water uptake. The article also focuses upon the uptake and transport mechanisms of K along with its role in detoxification of reactive oxygen species and in conferring tolerance to plants against abiotic stresses. It also highlights the research progress made in the direction of K mediated signaling cascades.

Light regulation of potassium in plants

Essential macronutrient potassium (K) and environmental signal light regulate a number of vital plant biological processes related to growth, development, and stress response. Recent research has shown connections between the perception of light and the regulation of K in plants. Photoreceptors-mediated wavelength-specific light perception activates signaling cascades which mediate stomatal movement by altering K⁺influx/efflux via K⁺ channels in the guard cells. The quality, intensity, and duration of light affect the regulation of K nutrition and crop quality. Blue/red illumination or red combined blue light treatment increases the expression levels of K transporter genes, K uptake and accumulation, leading to increased lycopene synthesis and improved fruit color in tomato. Despite the commonalities of light and K in multiple functions, our understanding of light regulation of K and associated physiological and molecular processes is fragmentary. In this review, we take a look at the light-controlled K uptake and utilization in plants and propose working models to show potential mechanisms. We discuss major light signaling components, their possible involvement in K nutrition, stomatal movement and crop quality by linking the perception of light signal and subsequent regulation of K. We also pose some outstanding questions to guide future research. Our analysis suggests that the enhancement of K utilization efficiency by manipulation of light quality and light signaling components can be a promising strategy for K management in crop production.

Morphophysiological and transcriptome analysis reveal that reprogramming of metabolism, phytohormones and root development pathways governs the potassium (K+) deficiency response in two contrasting chickpea cultivars

Potassium (K⁺) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. K⁺ deficiency hampers important plant processes, such as enzyme activation, protein synthesis, photosynthesis and stomata movement. Molecular mechanism of K⁺ deficiency tolerance has been partly understood in model plants Arabidopsis, but its knowledge in legume crop chickpea is missing. Here, morphophysiological analysis revealed that among five high yielding desi chickpea cultivars, PUSA362 shows stunted plant growth, reduced primary root growth and low K⁺ content under K⁺ deficiency. In contrast, PUSA372 had negligible effect on these parameters suggesting that PUSA362 is K⁺ deficiency sensitive and PUSA372 is a K⁺ deficiency tolerant chickpea cultivar. RNA-seq based transcriptome analysis under K⁺ deficiency revealed a total of 820 differential expressed genes (DEG's) in PUSA362 and 682 DEGs in PUSA372. These DEGs belongs to different functional categories, such as plant metabolism, signal transduction components, transcription factors, ion/nutrient transporters, phytohormone biosynthesis and signalling, and root growth and development. RNA-seq expression of randomly selected 16 DEGs was validated by RT-qPCR. Out of 16 genes, 13 showed expression pattern similar to RNA-seq expression, that verified the RNA-seq expression data. Total 258 and 159 genes were exclusively up-regulated, and 386 and 347 genes were down-regulated, respectively in PUSA362 and PUSA372. 14 DEGs showed contrasting expression pattern as they were up-regulated in PUSA362 and down-regulated in PUSA372. These include somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase 1, thaumatin-like protein, ferric reduction oxidase 2 and transcription factor bHLH93. Nine genes which were down-regulated in PUSA362 found to be up-regulated in PUSA372, including glutathione S-transferase like, putative calmodulin-like 19, high affinity nitrate transporter 2.4 and ERF17-like protein. Some important carbohydrate metabolism related genes, like fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and sucrose synthase, and root growth related Expansin gene were exclusively down-regulated, while an ethylene biosynthesis gene 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase 1 (ACO1) was up-regulated in PUSA362. Interplay of these and several other genes related to hormones (auxin, cytokinin, GA etc.), signal transduction components (like CBLs and CIPKs), ion transporters and transcription factors might underlie the contrasting response of two chickpea cultivars to K⁺ deficiency. In future, some of these key genes will be utilized in genetic engineering and breeding programs for developing chickpea cultivars with improved K⁺ use efficiency (KUE) and K⁺ deficiency tolerance traits.

K Deprivation Modulates the Primary Metabolites and Increases Putrescine Concentration in Brassica napus

Potassium (K) plays a crucial role in plant growth and development and is involved in different physiological and biochemical functions in plants. Brassica napus needs higher amount of nutrients like nitrogen (N), K, phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and boron (B) than cereal crops. Previous studies in B. napus are mainly focused on the role of N and S or combined deficiencies. Hence, little is known about the response of B. napus to K deficiency. Here, a physiological, biochemical, and molecular analysis led us to investigate the response of hydroponically grown B. napus plants to K deficiency. The results showed that B. napus was highly sensitive to the lack of K. The lower uptake and translocation of K induced BnaHAK5 expression and significantly declined the growth of B. napus after 14 days of K starvation. The lower availability of K was associated with a decrease in the concentration of both S and N and modulated the genes involved in their uptake and transport. In addition, the lack of K induced an increase in Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentration which led partially to the accumulation of positive charge. Moreover, a decrease in the level of arginine as a positively charged amino acid was observed which was correlated with a substantial increase in the polyamine, putrescine (Put). Furthermore, K deficiency induced the expression of BnaNCED3 as a key gene in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthetic pathway which was associated with an increase in the levels of ABA. Our findings provided a better understanding of the response of B. napus to K starvation and will be useful for considering the importance of K nutrition in this crop.

Expression dynamics indicate the role of Jasmonic acid biosynthesis pathway in regulating macronutrient (N, P and K+) deficiency tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Expression pattern indicates that JA biosynthesis pathway via regulating JA levels might control root system architecture to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and N, P, K⁺ deficiency tolerance in rice. Deficiencies of macronutrients (N, P and K⁺) and consequent excessive use of fertilizers have dramatically reduced soil fertility. It calls for development of nutrient use efficient plants. Plants combat nutrient deficiencies by altering their root system architecture (RSA) to enhance the acquisition of nutrients from the soil. Amongst various phytohormones, Jasmonic acid (JA) is known to regulate plant root growth and modulate RSA. Therefore, to understand the role of JA in macronutrient deficiency in rice, expression pattern of JA biosynthesis genes was analyzed under N, P and K⁺ deficiencies. Several members belonging to different families of JA biosynthesis genes (PLA1, LOX, AOS, AOC, OPR, ACX and JAR1) showed differential expression exclusively in one nutrient deficiency or in multiple nutrient deficiencies. Expression analysis during developmental stages showed that several genes expressed significantly in vegetative tissues, particularly in root. In addition, JA biosynthesis genes were found to have significant expression under the treatment of different phytohormones, including Auxin, cytokinin, gibberellic acid (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), JA and abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and cold. Analysis of promoters of these genes revealed various cis-regulatory elements associated with hormone response, plant development and abiotic stresses. These findings suggest that JA biosynthesis pathway by regulating the level of JA might control the RSA thus, it may help rice plant in combating macronutrient deficiency.

Transcriptome Analysis Unravels Key Factors Involved in Response to Potassium Deficiency and Feedback Regulation of K+ Uptake in Cotton Roots

To properly understand cotton responses to potassium (K+) deficiency and how its shoot feedback regulates K+ uptake and root growth, we analyzed the changes in root transcriptome induced by low K+ (0.03 mM K+, lasting three days) in self-grafts of a K+ inefficient cotton variety (CCRI41/CCRI41, scion/rootstock) and its reciprocal grafts with a K+ efficient variety (SCRC22/CCRI41). Compared with CCRI41/CCRI41, the SCRC22 scion enhanced the K+ uptake and root growth of CCRI41 rootstock. A total of 1968 and 2539 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the roots of CCRI41/CCRI41 and SCRC22/CCRI41 in response to K+ deficiency, respectively. The overlapped and similarly (both up- or both down-) regulated DEGs in the two grafts were considered the basic response to K+ deficiency in cotton roots, whereas the DEGs only found in SCRC22/CCRI41 (1954) and those oppositely (one up- and the other down-) regulated in the two grafts might be the key factors involved in the feedback regulation of K+ uptake and root growth. The expression level of four putative K+ transporter genes (three GhHAK5s and one GhKUP3) increased in both grafts under low K+, which could enable plants to cope with K+ deficiency. In addition, two ethylene response factors (ERFs), GhERF15 and GhESE3, both down-regulated in the roots of CCRI41/CCRI41 and SCRC22/CCRI41, may negatively regulate K+ uptake in cotton roots due to higher net K+ uptake rate in their virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) plants. In terms of feedback regulation of K+ uptake and root growth, several up-regulated DEGs related to Ca2+ binding and CIPK (CBL-interacting protein kinases), one up-regulated GhKUP3 and several up-regulated GhNRT2.1s probably play important roles. In conclusion, these results provide a deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in basic response to low K+ stress in cotton roots and feedback regulation of K+ uptake, and present several low K+ tolerance-associated genes that need to be further identified and characterized.

The molecular-physiological functions of mineral macronutrients and their consequences for deficiency symptoms in plants

The visual deficiency symptoms developing on plants constitute the ultimate manifestation of suboptimal nutrient supply. In classical plant nutrition, these symptoms have been extensively used as a tool to characterise the nutritional status of plants and to optimise fertilisation. Here we expand this concept by bridging the typical deficiency symptoms for each of the six essential macronutrients to their molecular and physiological functionalities in higher plants. We focus on the most recent insights obtained during the last decade, which now allow us to better understand the links between symptom and function for each element. A deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying the visual deficiency symptoms enables us to thoroughly understand how plants react to nutrient limitations and how these disturbances may affect the productivity and biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems. A proper interpretation of visual deficiency symptoms will support the potential for sustainable crop intensification through the development of new technologies that facilitate automatised management practices based on imaging technologies, remote sensing and in-field sensors, thereby providing the basis for timely application of nutrients via smart and more efficient fertilisation.

Potassium: A key modulator for cell homeostasis

Potassium (K) is the most vital and abundant macro element for the overall growth of plants and its deficiency or, excess concentration results in many diseases in plants. It is involved in regulation of many crucial roles in plant development. Depending on soil-root interactions, complex soil dynamics often results in unpredictable availability of the elements. Based on the importance index, K is considered to be the second only to nitrogen for the overall growth of plants. More than 60 enzymes within the plant system depend on K for its activation, in which K act as a key regulator. K helps plants to resist several abiotic and biotic stresses in the environment. We have reviewed the research progress about K's role in plants covering various important considerations of K highlighting the effects of microbes on soil K⁺; K and its contribution to adsorbed dose in plants; the importance of K⁺ deficiency; physiological functions of K⁺ transporters and channels; and interference of abiotic stressor in the regulatory role of K. This review further highlights the scope of future research regarding K.

Transcriptome Analysis of Pyrus betulaefolia Seedling Root Responses to Short-Term Potassium Deficiency

Potassium (K) plays a crucial role in multiple physiological and developmental processes in plants. Its deficiency is a common abiotic stress that inhibits plant growth and reduces crop productivity. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in plant responses to low K could help to improve the efficiency of K use in plants. However, such responses remain poorly characterized in fruit tree species such as pears (Pyrus sp). We analyzed the physiological and transcriptome responses of a commonly used pear rootstock, Pyrus betulaefolia, to K-deficiency stress (0 mM). Potassium deprivation resulted in apparent changes in root morphology, with short-term low-K stress resulting in rapidly enhanced root growth. Transcriptome analyses indicated that the root transcriptome was coordinately altered within 6 h after K deprivation, a process that continued until 15 d after treatment. Potassium deprivation resulted in the enhanced expression (up to 5-fold) of a putative high-affinity K+ transporter, PbHAK5 (Pbr037826.1), suggesting the up-regulation of mechanisms associated with K+ acquisition. The enhanced root growth in response to K-deficiency stress was associated with a rapid and sustained decrease in the expression of a transcription factor, PbMYB44 (Pbr015309.1), potentially involved in mediating auxin responses, and the increased expression of multiple genes associated with regulating root growth. The concentrations of several phytohormones including indoleacetic acid (IAA), ABA, ETH, gibberellin (GA3), and jasmonic acid (JA) were higher in response to K deprivation. Furthermore, genes coding for enzymes associated with carbon metabolism such as SORBITOL DEHYDROGENASE (SDH) and SUCROSE SYNTHASE (SUS) displayed greatly enhanced expression in the roots under K deprivation, presumably indicating enhanced metabolism to meet the increased energy demands for growth and K+ acquisition. Together, these data suggest that K deprivation in P. betulaefolia results in the rapid re-programming of the transcriptome to enhance root growth and K+ acquisition. These data provide key insights into the molecular basis for understanding low-K-tolerance mechanisms in pears and in other related fruit trees and identifying potential candidates that warrant further analyses.

miR168 targets Argonaute1A mediated miRNAs regulation pathways in response to potassium deficiency stress in tomato

BACKGROUND

Potassium (K⁺) is an essential ion for most plants, as it is involved in the regulation of growth and development. K⁺ homeostasis in plant cells has evolved to facilitate plant adaptation to K⁺-deficiency stress. Argonaute1 (AGO1) is regulated by miR168 to modulate the small RNA regulatory pathway by RNA silencing complex (RISC) in tomatoes. However, the role of miR168-mediated regulation of AGO1 in the context of K⁺ deficiency stress in tomatoes has not been elucidated yet.

RESULTS

SlmiR168 and its target gene SlAGO1A were differentially expressed among low-K⁺-tolerant JZ34 and low-K⁺-sensitive JZ18 tomato plants. Transgenic tomato plants constitutively expressing pri-SlmiR168a showed stronger root system growth, better leaves development, and higher K⁺ contents in roots under K⁺-deficiency stress than those of the transgenic tomato lines expressing rSlAGO1A (SlmiR168-resistant) and the wild type (WT). Deep sequencing analysis showed that 62 known microRNAs (miRNAs) were up-regulated in 35S:rSlAGO1 compared with WT tomatoes. The same miRNAs were down-regulated in 35S:SlmiR168a compared with WT plants. The integrated analysis found 12 miRNA/mRNA pairs from the 62 miRNAs, including the root growth and cytokinin (CTK)/abscisic acid (ABA) pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

The regulation mediated by SlmiR168 of SlAGO1A contributes to the plant development under low-K⁺ stress. Moreover, this regulation mechanism may influence downstream miRNA pathways in response to low-K⁺ stress through the CTK/ABA and root growth modulation pathways.

Silicon Regulates Source to Sink Metabolic Homeostasis and Promotes Growth of Rice Plants Under Sulfur Deficiency

Being an essential macroelement, sulfur (S) is pivotal for plant growth and development, and acute deficiency in this element leads to yield penalty. Since the last decade, strong evidence has reported the regulatory function of silicon (Si) in mitigating plant nutrient deficiency due to its significant diverse benefits on plant growth. However, the role of Si application in alleviating the negative impact of S deficiency is still obscure. In the present study, an attempt was undertaken to decipher the role of Si application on the metabolism of rice plants under S deficiency. The results showed a distinct transcriptomic and metabolic regulation in rice plants treated with Si under both short and long-term S deficiencies. The expression of Si transporters OsLsi1 and OsLsi2 was reduced under long-term deficiency, and the decrease was more pronounced when Si was provided. The expression of OsLsi6, which is involved in xylem loading of Si to shoots, was decreased under short-term S stress and remained unchanged in response to long-term stress. Moreover, the expression of S transporters OsSULTR tended to decrease by Si supply under short-term S deficiency but not under prolonged S stress. Si supply also reduced the level of almost all the metabolites in shoots of S-deficient plants, while it increased their level in the roots. The levels of stress-responsive hormones ABA, SA, and JA-lle were also decreased in shoots by Si application. Overall, our finding reveals the regulatory role of Si in modulating the metabolic homeostasis under S-deficient condition.

Emerging concepts of potassium homeostasis in plants

Potassium (K+) is an essential cation in all organisms that influences crop production and ecosystem stability. Although most soils are rich in K minerals, relatively little K+ is present in forms that are available to plants. Moreover, leaching and run-off from the upper soil layers contribute to K+ deficiencies in agricultural soils. Hence, the demand for K fertilizer is increasing worldwide. K+ regulates multiple processes in cells and organs, with K+ deficiency resulting in decreased plant growth and productivity. Here, we discuss the complexity of the reactive oxygen species-calcium-hormone signalling network that is responsible for the sensing of K+ deficiency in plants, together with genetic approaches using K+ transporters that have been used to increase K+ use efficiency (KUE) in plants, particularly under environmental stress conditions such as salinity and heavy metal contamination. Publicly available rice transcriptome data are used to demonstrate the two-way relationship between K+ and nitrogen nutrition, highlighting how each nutrient can regulate the uptake and root to shoot translocation of the other. Future research directions are discussed in terms of this relationship, as well as prospects for molecular approaches for the generation of improved varieties and the implementation of new agronomic practices. An increased knowledge of the systems that sense and take up K+, and their regulation, will not only improve current understanding of plant K+ homeostasis but also facilitate new research and the implementation of measures to improve plant KUE for sustainable food production.

Potassium in Root Growth and Development

Potassium is an essential macronutrient that has been partly overshadowed in root science by nitrogen and phosphorus. The current boom in potassium-related studies coincides with an emerging awareness of its importance in plant growth, metabolic functions, stress tolerance, and efficient agriculture. In this review, we summarized recent progress in understanding the role of K+ in root growth, development of root system architecture, cellular functions, and specific plant responses to K+ shortage. K+ transport is crucial for its physiological role. A wide range of K+ transport proteins has developed during evolution and acquired specific functions in plants. There is evidence linking K+ transport with cell expansion, membrane trafficking, auxin homeostasis, cell signaling, and phloem transport. This places K+ among important general regulatory factors of root growth. K+ is a rather mobile element in soil, so the absence of systemic and localized root growth response has been accepted. However, recent research confirms both systemic and localized growth response in Arabidopsis thaliana and highlights K+ uptake as a crucial mechanism for plant stress response. K+-related regulatory mechanisms, K+ transporters, K+ acquisition efficiency, and phenotyping for selection of K+ efficient plants/cultivars are highlighted in this review.

Comparative effects of arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) on whole plants and cell lines of the arsenic-resistant halophyte plant species Atriplex atacamensis

Whole plants and hypocotyl-derived calli of the halophyte plant species Atriplex atacamensis were exposed to 50 μM arsenate (As(V)) or 50 μM arsenite (As(III)). At the whole plant level, As(III) was more toxic than As(V): it reduced plant growth, stomatal conductance, photosystem II efficiency while As(V) did not. In roots, As accumulated to higher level in response to As(III) than in response to As(V). Within root tissues, both arsenate and arsenite were identified in response to each treatment suggesting that oxidation of As(III) may occur. More than 40% of As was bound to the cell wall in the roots of As(V)-treated plants while this proportion strongly decreased in As(III)-treated ones. In leaves, total As and the proportion of As bound to the cell wall were similar in response to As(V) and As(III). Non-protein thiol increased to higher extent in response to As(V) than in response to As(III) while ethylene synthesis was increased in As(III)-treated plants only. Polyamine profile was modified in a contrasting way in response to As(V) and As(III). At the callus level, As(V) and As(III) 50 μM did not reduce growth despite an important As accumulation within tissues. Calli exposed to 50 μM As did not increase the endogenous non-protein thiol. In contrast to the whole plants, arsenite was not more toxic than arsenate at the cell line level and As(V)-treated calli produced higher amounts of ethylene and malondialdehyde. A very high dose of As(V) (1000 μM) strongly reduced callus growth and lead to non-protein thiols accumulation. It is concluded that As(III) was more toxic than As(V) at the plant level but not at the cellular level and that differential toxicity was not fully explained by speciation of accumulated As. Arsenic resistance in A. atacamensis exhibited a cellular component which however did not reflect the behavior of whole plant when exposed to As(V) or As(III).

Plant Calcium Signaling in Response to Potassium Deficiency

Potassium (K⁺) is an essential macronutrient of living cells and is the most abundant cation in the cytosol. K⁺ plays a role in several physiological processes that support plant growth and development. However, soil K⁺ availability is very low and variable, which leads to severe reductions in plant growth and yield. Various K⁺ shortage-activated signaling cascades exist. Among these, calcium signaling is the most important signaling system within plant cells. This review is focused on the possible roles of calcium signaling in plant responses to low-K⁺ stress. In plants, intracellular calcium levels are first altered in response to K⁺ deficiency, resulting in calcium signatures that exhibit temporal and spatial features. In addition, calcium channels located within the root epidermis and root hair zone can then be activated by hyperpolarization of plasma membrane (PM) in response to low-K⁺ stress. Afterward, calcium sensors, including calmodulin (CaM), CaM-like protein (CML), calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK), and calcineurin B-like protein (CBL), can act in the sensing of K⁺ deprivation. In particular, the important components regarding CBL/CBL-interacting protein kinase (CBL/CIPK) complexes-involved in plant responses to K⁺ deficiency are also discussed.

Salinity influences the interactive effects of cadmium and zinc on ethylene and polyamine synthesis in the halophyte plant species Kosteletzkya pentacarpos

Salt marshes are major sinks for heavy metals where plants are often exposed to polymetallic contamination and high salinity. Seedlings from the wetland halophyte plant species Kosteletzkya pentacarpos were exposed during three weeks to nutrient solution containing 10 μM CdCl₂, 100 μM ZnCl₂ or a combination of the two metals (Cd + Zn) in the presence or absence of 50 mM NaCl. Synthesis of the senescing hormone ethylene was quantified together with the concentration of protecting polyamines (spermidine and spermine) and their precursor putrescine and analyzed in relation to senescence markers (soluble protein, malondialdehyde, chlorophyll content and assessment of cell membrane stability). Salinity reduced the deleterious impact of heavy metals on plant growth and decreased accumulation of the pollutants in the plants. Heavy metals increased ethylene synthesis but NaCl decreased it in plants exposed to Cd or to the combined treatment (Cd + Zn) but not in plants exposed to Zn alone. Putrescine increased while spermine and spermidine decreased in Cd-treated plants. Zinc had only a marginal impact on polyamine concentration. The highest putrescine and spermine concentrations were observed in plants exposed to the combined treatment. The inhibitor of ethylene synthesis (AVG; aminovynilglycine) partially restored plant growth, reduced putrescine content and increased spermidine and spermine concentration, leading to an attenuation of senescence, mainly in Cd-treated plants. Combined treatment induced a specific physiological status in K. pentacarpos which could not be fully explained by an additive effect of Cd and Zn. Results are discussed in relation to specificities of heavy metals impacts on plant response.

Cytokinin at the Crossroads of Abiotic Stress Signalling Pathways

Cytokinin is a multifaceted plant hormone that plays major roles not only in diverse plant growth and development processes, but also stress responses. We summarize knowledge of the roles of its metabolism, transport, and signalling in responses to changes in levels of both macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur) and micronutrients (boron, iron, silicon, selenium). We comment on cytokinin's effects on plants' xenobiotic resistance, and its interactions with light, temperature, drought, and salinity signals. Further, we have compiled a list of abiotic stress-related genes and demonstrate that their expression patterns overlap with those of cytokinin metabolism and signalling genes.

Pleiotropic effects of enhancing vacuolar K/H exchange in tomato

Cation antiporters of the NHX family are widely regarded as determinants of salt tolerance due to their capacity to drive sodium (Na) and sequester it into vacuoles. Recent work shows, however, that NHX transporters are primarily involved in vacuolar potassium (K) storage. Over-expression of the K/H antiporter AtNHX1 in tomato increases K accumulation into vacuoles and plant sensitivity to K deprivation. Here we show that the appearance of early leaf symptoms of K deficiency was associated with higher concentration of polyamines. Transgenic roots exhibited a greater sensitivity than shoots to K deprivation with changes in the composition of the free amino acids pool, total sugars and organic acids. Concentrations of amides (glutamine), amino acids (arginine) and sugars significantly increased in root, together with a reduction in malate and succinate concentrations. The concentration of pyruvate and the activity of pyruvate kinase were greater in the transgenic roots before K withdrawal although both parameters were depressed by K deprivation and approached wild-type levels. In the longer term, the over-expression of the NHX1 antiporter affected root growth and biomass partitioning (shoot/root ratio). Greater ethylene release produced longer stem internodes and leaf curling in the transgenic line. Our data show that enhanced sequestration of K by the NHX antiporter in the vacuoles altered cellular K homeostasis and had deeper physiological consequences than expected. Early metabolic changes lead later on to profound morphological and physiological adjustments resulting eventually in the loss of nutrient use efficiency.

Potassium: A Vital Regulator of Plant Responses and Tolerance to Abiotic Stresses

Among the plant nutrients, potassium (K) is one of the vital elements required for plant growth and physiology. Potassium is not only a constituent of the plant structure but it also has a regulatory function in several biochemical processes related to protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and enzyme activation. Several physiological processes depend on K, such as stomatal regulation and photosynthesis. In recent decades, K was found to provide abiotic stress tolerance. Under salt stress, K helps to maintain ion homeostasis and to regulate the osmotic balance. Under drought stress conditions, K regulates stomatal opening and helps plants adapt to water deficits. Many reports support the notion that K enhances antioxidant defense in plants and therefore protects them from oxidative stress under various environmental adversities. In addition, this element provides some cellular signaling alone or in association with other signaling molecules and phytohormones. Although considerable progress has been made in understanding K-induced abiotic stress tolerance in plants, the exact molecular mechanisms of these protections are still under investigation. In this review, we summarized the recent literature on the biological functions of K, its uptake, its translocation, and its role in plant abiotic stress tolerance.

Light signalling-induced regulation of nutrient acquisition and utilisation in plants

Light is the foremost regulator of plant growth and development, and the critical role of light signalling in the promotion of nutrient uptake and utilisation was clarified in recent decades. Recent studies with Arabidopsis demonstrated the molecular mechanisms underlying such promotive effects and uncovered the pivotal role of the transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) whose activity is under the control of multiple photoreceptors. Together with a recent finding that phytochrome B, one of photoreceptors, is activated in subterranean plant parts, the discovery that HY5 directly promotes the transcription of genes involved in nutrient uptake and utilisation, including several nitrogen and sulphur assimilation-related genes, expands our understanding of the ways in which light signalling effectively and co-ordinately modulates uptake and utilisation of multiple nutrients in plants. This review presents a summary of the current knowledge regarding light signalling-induced regulation of nutrient uptake and utilisation.

How DELLAs contribute to control potassium uptake under conditions of potassium scarcity? Hypotheses and uncertainties

Maintenance of the inward transport of potassium (K) by roots is a critical step to ensure K-nutrition for all plant tissues. When plants are grown at low external K concentrations a strong enhancement of the activity of the AtHAK5 transporter takes place. In a recent work, we observed that the gai-1 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, which bears an altered function version of a DELLA regulatory protein, displays reduced accumulation of AtHAK5 transcripts and reduced uptake of Rubidium, an analog for K. In this Addendum we discuss some hypotheses and uncertainties regarding how DELLAs could contribute to the control of K uptake under those conditions. We advance the idea that, following K-restriction, there is a zone and tissue specific regulation of DELLAs by gibberellins through a pathway that likely involves ethylene. According to this model in the epidermis of non-apical zones, DELLAs repress transcription factors that promote AtHAK5 accumulation.

Regulation of potassium transport and signaling in plants

As an essential macronutrient, potassium (K⁺) plays crucial roles in diverse physiological processes during plant growth and development. The K⁺ concentration in soils is relatively low and fluctuating. Plants are able to perceive external K⁺ changes and generate chemical and physical signals in plant cells. The signals can be transducted across the plasma membrane and into the cytosol, and eventually regulates the downstream targets, particularly K⁺ channels and transporters. As a result, K⁺ homeostasis in plant cells is modulated, which facilitates plant adaptation to K⁺ deficient conditions. This minireview focuses on the latest research progress in the diverse functions of K⁺ channels and transporters as well as their regulatory mechanisms in plant response to low-K⁺ stress.

The regulatory roles of ethylene and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant salt stress responses

Soil salinity is one of the most commonly encountered environmental stresses affecting plant growth and crop productivity. Accordingly, plants have evolved a variety of morphological, physiological and biochemical strategies that enable them to adapt to saline growth conditions. For example, it has long been known that salinity-stress increases both the production of the gaseous stress hormone ethylene and the in planta accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently, there has been significant progress in understanding how the fine-tuning of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling transduction can promote salinity tolerance, and how salinity-induced ROS accumulation also acts as a signal in the mediation of salinity tolerance. Furthermore, recent advances have indicated that ethylene signaling modulates salinity responses largely via regulation of ROS-generating and ROS-scavenging mechanisms. This review focuses on these recent advances in understanding the linked roles of ethylene and ROS in salt tolerance.

The Arabidopsis nitrate transporter NPF7.3/NRT1.5 is involved in lateral root development under potassium deprivation

Plants have evolved a large array of transporters and channels that are responsible for uptake, source-to-sink distribution, homeostasis and signaling of nitrate (NO3(-)), which is for most plants the primary nitrogen source and a growth-limiting macronutrient. To optimize NO3(-) uptake in response to changing NO3(-) concentrations in the soil, plants are able to modify their root architecture. Potassium is another macronutrient that influences the root architecture. We recently demonstrated that the Arabidopsis NO3(-) transporter NPF7.3/NRT1.5, which drives root-to-shoot transport of NO3(-), is also involved in root-to-shoot translocation of K(+) under low NO3(-) nutrition. Here, we show that K(+) shortage, but not limiting NO3(-) supply, causes in nrt1.5 mutant plants an altered root architecture with conspicuously reduced lateral root density. Since lateral root development is influenced by auxin, we discuss a possible involvement of NPF7.3/NRT1.5 in auxin homeostasis in roots under K(+) deprivation.

Comparison between Arabidopsis and Rice for Main Pathways of K(+) and Na(+) Uptake by Roots

K(+) is an essential macronutrient for plants. It is acquired by specific uptake systems located in roots. Although the concentrations of K(+) in the soil solution are widely variable, K(+) nutrition is secured by uptake systems that exhibit different affinities for K(+). Two main systems have been described for root K(+) uptake in several species: the high-affinity HAK5-like transporter and the inward-rectifier AKT1-like channel. Other unidentified systems may be also involved in root K(+) uptake, although they only seem to operate when K(+) is not limiting. The use of knock-out lines has allowed demonstrating their role in root K(+) uptake in Arabidopsis and rice. Plant adaptation to the different K(+) supplies relies on the finely tuned regulation of these systems. Low K(+)-induced transcriptional up-regulation of the genes encoding HAK5-like transporters occurs through a signal cascade that includes changes in the membrane potential of root cells and increases in ethylene and reactive oxygen species concentrations. Activation of AKT1 channels occurs through phosphorylation by the CIPK23/CBL1 complex. Recently, activation of the Arabidopsis HAK5 by the same complex has been reported, pointing to CIPK23/CBL as a central regulator of the plant's adaptation to low K(+). Na(+) is not an essential plant nutrient but it may be beneficial for some plants. At low concentrations, Na(+) improves growth, especially under K(+) deficiency. Thus, high-affinity Na(+) uptake systems have been described that belong to the HKT and HAK families of transporters. At high concentrations, typical of saline environments, Na(+) accumulates in plant tissues at high concentrations, producing alterations that include toxicity, water deficit and K(+) deficiency. Data concerning pathways for Na(+) uptake into roots under saline conditions are still scarce, although several possibilities have been proposed. The apoplast is a significant pathway for Na(+) uptake in rice grown under salinity conditions, but in other plant species different mechanisms involving non-selective cation channels or transporters are under discussion.