Ion channels in neurodevelopment:lessons from the Integrin-KCNB1 channel complex

Ion channels modulate cellular excitability by regulating ionic fluxes across biological membranes.Pathogenic mutations in ion channel genes give rise to epileptic disorders that are among the most frequent neurological diseases affecting millions of individuals worldwide.Epilepsies are trigge red by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory conductances.However,pathogenic mutations in the same allele can give rise to loss-of-function and/or gain-of-function va riants,all able to trigger epilepsy.Furthermore,certain alleles are associated with brain malformations even in the absence of a clear electrical phenotype.This body of evidence argues that the underlying epileptogenic mechanisms of ion channels are more diverse than originally thought.Studies focusing on ion channels in prenatal cortical development have shed light on this apparent paradox.The picture that emerges is that ion channels play crucial roles in landmark neurodevelopmental processes,including neuronal migration,neurite outgrowth,and synapse formation.Thus,pathogenic channel mutants can not only cause epileptic disorders by alte ring excitability,but further,by inducing morphological and synaptic abnormalities that are initiated during neocortex formation and may persist into the adult brain.

磁耦合谐振式无线电能传输磁场对海马齿状回区神经元K^(+)通道的影响

目的磁耦合谐振式无线电能传输(magnetically-coupled resonant wireless power transfer,MCR-WPT)具有传输距离较大、传输效率高、穿透性好等优点,为人们生活带来便利的同时其引起的生物电磁效应安全问题备受人们关注。本文通过研究MCR-WPT电磁环境对小鼠海马齿状回(DG)区神经元K^(+)通道特性的影响,为无线电能传输(WPT)技术的发展及其合理开发应用提供实验依据。方法每天对小鼠不间断辐射5 h,持续30 d,对比分析对照组和磁场暴露5 d、15 d、30 d组小鼠的学习记忆能力、海马DG区神经元的瞬时外向K^(+)通道电流(IA)和延迟整流K^(+)通道电流(IK)的变化。结果磁场暴露组瞬时外向K^(+)通道的激活过程受到抑制、延迟整流K^(+)通道的激活特性向去极化方向移动,减少K^(+)的外流,增强了神经兴奋性,但磁场暴露组小鼠行为上无显著性变化。结论长期处于MCR-WPT电磁环境会改变K^(+)通道的电流-电压(I-V)特性和动力学特性,抑制IA和IK,改变神经元动作电位的发放频率,但这些变化并没有引起小鼠学习记忆能力的下降以及认知功能障碍。

K^+channels inhibited by hydrogen peroxide mediate abscisic acid signaling in Vicia guard cells

A number of studies show that environmental stress conditions increase abscisic acid (ABA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in plant cells. Despite this central role of ABA in altering stomatal aperture by regulating guard cell ion transport, little is known concerning the relationship between ABA and H2O2 in signal transduction leading to stomatal movement. Epidermal strip bioassay illustrated that ABA- inhibited stomatal opening and ABA-induced stomatal closure were abolished partly by externally added catalase (CAT) or diphenylene iodonium (DPl), which are a H2O2 scavenger and a NADPH oxidase inhibitor respectively. In contrast, internally added CAT or DPI nearly completely or partly reversed ABA-induced closure in half-stoma. Consistent with these results, whole-cell patch-clamp analysis showed that intracellular application of CAT or DPI partly abolished ABA-inhibited inward K+ current across the plasma membrane of guard cells. H2O2 mimicked ABA to inhibit inward K+ current, an effect which was reversed by the addition of ascorbic acid (Vc) in patch clamping micropipettes. These results suggested that H2O2 mediated ABA-induced stomatal movement by targeting inward K+ channels at plasma membrane.

Inhibitory Effects of Blockage of Intermediate Conductance Ca^(2+) -Activated K^+ Channels on Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

The roles of intermediate conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + channel (IKCa1) in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were investigated. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of IKCa1 protein in 50 HCC and 20 para-carcinoma tissue samples. Real-time PCR was used to detect the transcription level of IKCa1 mRNA in 13 HCC and 11 para-carcinoma tissue samples. The MTT assay was used to measure the function of IKCa1 in human HCC cell line HepG2 in vitro. TRAM-34, a specific blocker of IKCa1, was used to intervene with the function of IKCa1. As compared with para-carcinoma tissue, an over-expression of IKCa1 protein was detected in HCC tissue samples (P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of IKCa1 in HCC tissues was 2.17 times higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues. The proliferation of HepG2 cells was suppressed by TRAM-34 (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 μmol/L) in vitro (P<0.05). Our results suggested that IKCa1 may play a role in the proliferation of human HCC, and IKCa1 blockers may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.

Effects of Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K^+ Channel on Protein Kinase C Pathway and Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Asthma

The effects of ATP-sensitive mitochondrial K + channel(mitoK ATP) on mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm),cell proliferation and protein kinase C alpha(PKCα) expression in airway smooth muscle cells(ASMCs) were investigated.Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were immunized with saline(controls) or ovalbumin(OVA) with alum(asthma models).ASMCs were cultured from the lung of control and asthma rats.ASMCs were treated with diazoxide(the potent activator of mitoK ATP) or 5-hydroxydencanote(5-HD,the inhibitor of mitoK ATP).Rhodamine-123(R-123) was used to detect Δψm.The expression of PKCα protein was examined by using Western blotting,while PKCα mRNA expression was detected by using real-time PCR.The proliferation of ASMCs was measured by MTT assay and cell cycle analysis.In diazoxide-treated normal ASMCs,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and percentage of cells in S phase were markedly increased as compared with untreated controls.The ratio of G 0 /G 1 cells was decreased(P<0.05) in diazoxide-treated ASMCs from normal rats.However,there were no significant differences between the ASMCs from healthy rats treated with 5-HD and the normal control group.In untreated and diazoxide-treated ASMCs of asthmatic rats,the R-123 fluorescence intensity,protein and mRNA levels of PKCα,MTT A values and the percentage of cells in S phase were increased in comparison to the normal control group.Furthermore,in comparison to ASMCs from asthmatic rats,these values were considerably increased in asthmatic group treated with diazoxide(P<0.05).After exposure to 5-HD for 24 h,these values were decreased as compared with asthma control group(P<0.05).In ASMCs of asthma,the signal transduction pathway of PKCα may be involved in cell proliferation,which is induced by the opening of mitoK ATP and the depolarization of Δψm.

Nitric oxide activation of a potassium channel (BK_(Ca)) in feline lower esophageal sphincter

AIM:To assess the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the large conductance potassium channel (BKCa) in isolated circular (CM) and sling (SM) muscle cells and muscle strips from the cat lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to determine its regulation of resting tone and relaxation.METHODS:Freshly enzymatically-digested and isolated circular smooth muscle cells were prepared from each LES region.To study outward K + currents,the perforated patch clamp technique was employed.To assess LES resting tone and relaxation,muscle strips were mounted in perfused organ baths.RESULTS:(1) Electrophysiological recordings from isolated cells:(a) CM was more depolarized than SM (-39.7 ± 0.8mV vs-48.1 ± 1.6 mV,P < 0.001),and maximal outward current was similar (27.1 ± 1.5 pA/pF vs 25.7 ± 2.0 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(b) The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased outward currents only in CM (25.9 ± 1.9 to 46.7 ± 4.2 pA/pF,P < 0.001) but not SM (23.2 ± 3.1 to 27.0 ± 3.4 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(c) SNP added in the presence of the BK Ca antagonist iberiotoxin (IbTX) produced no increase in the outward current in CM (17.0 ± 2.8 vs 13.7 ± 2.2,P > 0.05);and (d) L-NNA caused a small insignificant inhibition of outward K + currents in both muscles;and (2) Muscle strip studies:(a) Blockade of the nerves with tetrodotoxin (TTX),or BK Ca with IbTX had no significant effect on resting tone of either muscle;and (b) SNP reduced tone in both muscles,and was unaffected by the presence of TTX or IbTX.CONCLUSION:Exogenous NO activates BK Ca only in CM of the cat.However,as opposed to other species,exogenous NO-induced relaxation is predominantly by a non-BK Ca mechanism,and endogenous NO has minimal effect on resting tone.

Involvement of leak K^+ channels in neurological disorders

TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+(TASK) channels give rise to leak K+ currents which influence the resting membrane potential and input resistance. The wide expression of TASK1 and TASK3 channels in the central nervous system suggests that these channels are critically involved in neurological disorders. It has become apparent in the past decade that TASK channels play critical roles for the development of various neurological disorders. In this review, I describe evidence for their roles in ischemia, epilepsy, learning/memory/cognition and apoptosis.

Voltage-dependent K^+-channel Responses during Activation and Damage in Alveolar Macrophages Induced by Quartz Particles

The roles of voltage-dependent K+ channels during activation and damage in alveolar macrophages (AMs) exposed to different silica particles were examined. Rat AMs were collected by means of bronchoalveolar lavage, and were adjusted to 5×105/mL. After AMs were exposed to different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 μg/mL) of quartz particles and 100 μg/mL amorphous silica particles for 24 h, the voltage-depended K+ current in AMs was measured by using patch clamp tecnique. Meanwhile the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the viability of AMs were detected respectively. Patch clamp studies demonstrated that AMs possessed outward delayed and inward rectifying K+ current. Exposure to quartz particles increased the outward delayed K+ current but it had no effect on inward rectifier K+ current in AMs. Neither of the two K+ channels in AMs was affected by amorphous silica particles. Cytotoxicity test showed that both silica particles could damage AM membrane and result in significant leakage of LDH (P<0.05). MTT studies, however, showed that only quartz particles reduced viability of AMs (P<0.05). It is concluded that quartz particles can activate the outward delayed K+ channel in AMs, which may act as an activating signal in AMs to initiate an inflammatory response during damage and necrosis in AMs induced by exposure to quartz particle. K+ channels do not contribute to the membrane damage of AMs.

Neuroprotective effects of a mitochondrial K^+-ATP channel opener (diazoxide) are mediated by Bcl-2 expression upregulation

Mitochondrial K+-ATP (mito-KATP) channels play an important role in cellular function and survival following ischemic stress.The present results revealed that intervention with diazoxide,a mito-KATP channel opener,led to an increase in Bcl-2 expression in the cerebral cortex of rats subjected to cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury.In addition,the intervention also led to clear improvements in neuronal mitochondrial morphology and consciousness post-injury.Glibenclamide,a mito-KATP channel blocker,exhibited the converse effects.Both diazoxide and glibenclamide exerted dose-dependent effects (in particular,at 18mg/kg diazoxide and 25mg/kg glibenclamide).These findings suggest that diazoxide exerts a neuroprotective effect on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury by opening mito-KATP channels and upregulating Bcl-2 expression.

HERG K+ channels expression in gastric cancers and analysis of its regulation in tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis

Objective:To investigate the expression of herg1 gene in tumor tissues from gastric carcinomas and gastric carcinoma cell lines,and study the relationship between HERG K+ channel expressions and tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods:RT-PCR and PCR assays were used to detect the expression of herg1 gene in 64 gastric carcinomas and the gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901. Blocking the HERG K+ channels was used to evaluate their effects on tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results:The statistically significant expression of herg1 gene was detected in all the gastric cancers and SGC-7901 cells,but not in normal tissues. The HERG K+ channel blocker,E-4031,increased the cell population in G0/G1(P < 0.05) and the number of apoptotic tumor cells(P < 0.05). Conclusion:HERG K+ channels were expressed in all gastric carcinomas tested and these channels appear to modulate tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis.

K-ATP channel openers facilitate glutamate uptake by GluTs in rat primary cultured Astrocytes

Increasing evidence, including from our laboratory, has revealed that opening of ATP sensitive potassium channels(K-ATP channels) plays the neuronal protective roles both in vivo and in vitro. Thus K-ATP channel openers(KCOs) have been proposed as potential neuroprotectants. Our previous studies demonstrated that K-ATP channels could regulate glutamate uptake activity in PC12 cells as well as in synaptosomes of rats. Since glutamate transporters(GluTs) of astrocytes play crucial roles in glutamate uptake and KATP channels are also expressed in astrocytes, the present study showed whether and how KATP channels regulated the function of GluTs in primary cultured astrocytes. The results showed that nonselective KCO pinacidil, selective mitochondrial KCO diazoxide, novel, and blood-brain barrier permeable KCO iptakalim could enhance glutamate uptake, except for the sarcolemmal KCO P1075. Moreover pinacidil, diazoxide, and iptakalim reversed the inhibition of glutamate uptake induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+). These potentiated effects were completely abolished by mitochondrial K-ATP blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate. Furthermore, either diazoxide or iptakalim could inhibit MPP+-induced elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of protein kinases C(PKC). These findings are the first to demonstrate that activation of K-ATP channel, especially mitochondrial K-ATP channel, improves the function of GluTs in astrocytes due to reducing ROS production and downregulating PKC phosphorylation. Therefore, the present study not only reveals a novel pharmacological profile of KCOs as regulators of GluTs, but also provides a new strategy for neuroprotection.

Beneficial effects of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K^+ channel opener on liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

AIM:To investigate the effect of diazoxide administration on liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.METHODS:Wistar male rats underwent partial liver ischemia performed by clamping the pedicle from the medium and left anterior lateral segments for 1 h under mechanical ventilation.They were divided into 3 groups:Control Group,rats submitted to liver manipulation,Saline Group,rats received saline,and Diazoxide Group,rats received intravenous injection diazoxide(3.5 mg/kg) 15 min before liver reperfusion.4 h and 24 h after reperfusion,blood was collected for determination of aspartate transaminase(AST),alanine transaminase(ALT),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-10(IL-10),nitrite/nitrate,creatinine and tumor growth factor-β1(TGF-β1).Liver tissues were assembled for mitochondrial oxidation and phosphorylation,malondialdehyde(MDA) content,and histologic analysis.Pulmonary vascular permeability and myeloperoxidase(MPO) were also determined.RESULTS:Four hours after reperfusion the diazoxide group presented with significant reduction of AST(2009 ± 257 U/L vs 3523 ± 424 U/L,P = 0.005); ALT(1794 ± 295 U/L vs 3316 ± 413 U/L,P = 0.005); TNF-α(17 ± 9 pg/mL vs 152 ± 43 pg/mL,P = 0.013; IL-6(62 ± 18 pg/mL vs 281 ± 92 pg/mL); IL-10(40 ± 9 pg/mL vs 78 ± 10 pg/mL P = 0.03),and nitrite/nitrate(3.8 ± 0.9 μmol/L vs 10.2 ± 2.4 μmol/L,P = 0.025) when compared to the saline group.A significant reduction in liver mitochondrial dysfunction was observed in the diazoxide group compared to the saline group(P < 0.05).No differences in liver MDA content,serum creatinine,pulmonary vascular permeability and MPO activity were observed between groups.Twenty four hours after reperfusion the diazoxide group showed a reduction of AST(495 ± 78 U/L vs 978 ± 192 U/L,P = 0.032); ALT(335 ± 59 U/L vs 742 ± 182 U/L,P = 0.048),and TGF-β1(11 ± 1 ng/mL vs 17 ± 0.5 ng/mL,P = 0.004) serum levels when compared to the saline group.The control group did not present alterations when compared to the diazoxide and saline groups.CONCLUSION:Diazoxide maintains liver mitochondrial function,increases liver tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion injury,and reduces the systemic inflammatory response.These effects require further evaluation for using in a clinical setting.

K X-ray fluorescent source for energy-channel calibration of the spectrometer

A new K X-ray fluorescent source for calibrating the X or γ-ray multichannel analyzer spectrometer is introduced. A detailed description of the K fluorescent source device is given. The calibration method used and experimental results obtained are presented. The purity and efficiency of K fluorescence photons from this device are discussed. This new fluorescent source may be used as a substitute for radioactive nuclides for the energy-channel calibration of some MCA spectrometers.

植物外向整流K^(+)通道SKOR研究进展

维持K^(+)稳态是植物抵御非生物胁迫的重要策略之一。外向整流K^(+)通道(stelar K^(+)outward rectifier,SKOR)是一类定位于植物根中柱细胞质膜的K^(+)外向整流通道。该通道介导细胞质K^(+)外流以及木质部K^(+)装载,一方面可以调节细胞内K^(+)稳态,另一方面通过控制木质部K^(+)流以维持植物根部和地上部的K^(+)平衡,在植物响应盐胁迫、干旱胁迫、营养胁迫等过程中起着决定性作用。因此,对SKOR功能、调控的研究及其应用对作物生产和抗逆性增强有着重要的意义。对SKOR的发现、结构与分类、表达调控、生物学功能及其非生物胁迫响应等方面的研究成果加以综述,并对该通道未来研究方向进行了展望,以期为农作物品质和抗逆性的遗传改良提供理论依据和基因资源。

Expression and Fuactional Role of HERG1, K^+ Channels in Leukemic Cells and Leukemic Stem Cells

In order to investigate the expression and functional role of HERG1 K+ channels in leukemic cells and leukemic stem cells (LSCs), RT-PCR was used to detect the HERG1 K+ channels expression in leukemic cells and LSCs. The functional role of HERG1 K+ channels in leukemic cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay, and cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cy- tometry. The results showed that herg mRNA was expressed in CD34+/CD38-, CD123+ LSCs but not in circulating CD34+ cells. Herg mRNA was also up-regulated in leukemia cell lines K562 and HL60 as well as almost all the primary leukemic cells while not in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) and the expression of herg mRNA was not associated with the clinical and cytoge- netic features of leukemia. In addition, leukemic cell proliferation was dramatically inhibited by HERG K+ channel special inhibitor E-4031. Moreover, E-4031 suppressed the cell growth by induc- ing a specific block at the G1/S transition phase of the cell cycle but had no effect on apoptosis in leukemic cells. The results suggested that HERG1 K+ channels could regulate leukemic cells prolif- eration and were necessary for leukemic cells to proceed with the cell cycle. HERG1 K+ channels may also have oncogenic potential and may be a biomarker for diagnosis of leukemia and a novel potential pharmacological target for leukemia therapy.

K^+ Channels and Their Effects on Membrane Potential in Rat Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cells

Summary: In order to investigate the K+ channels and their effects on resting membrane potential(Em) and excitability in rat bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs), the components of outward K+channel currents and the effects of K+ channels on Em and tension in rat bronchial smooth musclewere observed by using standard whole-cell recording of patch clamp and isometric tension recordingtechniques. The results showed that under resting conditions, total outward K+ channel currents infreshly isolated BSMCs were unaffected by ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker. There were two typesof K+ currents: voltage-dependent delayed rectifier K+ channel (Ky) and large conductance calcium-activated K+ channel (BKca) currents. 1 mmol/L 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, an inhibitor of Ky)caused a significant depolarization (from - 8.7 ± 5.9 mV to - 25. 4± 3.1 mV, n = 18, P＜0. 001 ).In contrast, 1 mmol/L tetraethylammonium (TEA, an inhibitor of BKca) had no significant effect onEm (from -37. 6±4.8 mV to -36. 8±4.1 mV, n=12, P＞0. 05). 4-AP caused a concentration-dependent contraction in resting bronchial strips. TEA had no effect on resting tension, but applica-tion of 5 mmol/L TEA resulted in a left shift with bigger pD2(the negative logarithm of the drug con-centration causing 50 % of maximal effect) (from 6. 27±0. 38 to 6.89±0. 54, n=10, P＜0. 05) inthe concentration-effect curve of endothine-1, and a right shift with smaller pD2 (from 8. 10± 0. 23 to7. 69±0. 08, n= 10, P＜0. 05) in the concentration-effect curve of isoprenaline. It was suggestedthat in rat BSMCs there may be two types of K+ channels, Kv and BKca, which serve distinct roles.Kv participates in the control of resting Em and tension. BKca is involved in the regulation of relax-ation or contraction associated with excitation.

低温缺血-再灌注对离体大鼠心房肌Kir2.1和CaMKⅡ表达的影响

目的探讨再灌注房性心律失常心房肌复极时程延长的分子机制。方法采用随机数字表法将16只由雄性SD大鼠制备的Langendorff离体心脏灌注模型分为对照组(C组,n=8)和低温缺血-再灌注组(IR组,n=8)。根据再灌注后是否发生房性心律失常,将IR组进一步细分为再灌注非房性心律失常亚组(N-RAA组)和再灌注房性心律失常亚组(R-AA组)。C组使用37℃K-H液平衡灌注120 min。IR组使用37℃K-H液平衡灌注30 min后停止,注射4℃Thomas液(20 mL/kg)使心脏停跳60 min,停跳30 min时使用半量4℃Thomas液(10 mL/kg)对离体心脏进行复灌[停跳期间用低温Thomas液(4℃)对心脏进行保护],后再次灌注37℃K-H液30 min。记录平衡灌注30 min(T_(0))、平衡灌注105 min/再灌注15 min(T_(1))和平衡灌注120 min/再灌注30 min(T_(2))时右心房单相动作电位(MAP),测量单相动作电位复极50%和90%的时程(MAPD_(50)和MAPD_(90))。电生理指标监测完后用Western blot检测右心房组织内向整流钾通道2.1(Kir2.1)和Ca^(2+)/CaM依赖激酶Ⅱ(CaMKⅡ)的表达。结果与T_(0)时点比较,R-AA组T_(1)、T_(2)时MAPD_(50)、MAPD_(90)明显延长(P<0.05);与C组比较,R-NAA组和R-AA组T_(1)、T_(2)时MAPD_(90)明显延长(P<0.05);与R-NAA组比较,R-AA组T_(1)、T_(2)时MAPD_(50)、MAPD_(90)明显延长(P<0.05)。Western blot结果显示,R-NAA组和R-AA组Kir2.1表达明显少于C组(P<0.05),且R-AA组明显少于R-NAA组(P<0.05);R-NAA组和R-AA组CaMKⅡ表达较C组明显增加(P<0.05),且R-AA组CaMKⅡ表达较R-NAA组明显增加(P<0.05)。结论低温缺血-再灌注房性心律失常大鼠心房肌复极时程延长可能与Kir2.1表达下调和CaMKⅡ表达增加有关。

Effects of isoflurane and ethanol on large conductance Ca^(2+)-activated K^+ channels

Objective: To study the effect of isoflurane and ethanol on large conductance Ca 2+-activated K + channels(BK channels). Methods: The cRNA of mslo1 encoding BK channels was injected into Xenopus oocytes. Oocytes were incubated in ND96 (96 mmol/L NaCl, 2.0 mmol/L KCl, 1.8 mmol/L CaCl 2, 1.0 mmol/L MgCl 2, and 5.0 mmol/L HEPES, pH 7.4) at 4 ℃. Patch clamp recording (outside-out) were performed after 2-3 d. Isoflurane was administrated by the vaporizer driven by air, ethanol was applied by a closed, manual-controlled administration system. Different test potentials from 0 to 10 mV were given to observe changes of currents. Results: 0.7 mmol/L and 1.2 mmol/L of isoflurane could inhibit BK currents obviously at different command potentials, but 50 mmol/L, 100 mmol/L, or 200 mmol/L of ethanol had no any effect on BK currents. Conclusion: Clinical concentration of isoflurane can distinctly inhibit isolating BK currents.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of the Shaker K+ Channel and HAK/KUP/KT Transporter Gene Families in Grape (Vitis vinifera L.)

Potassium(K+)is an essential macronutrient for plants to maintain normal growth and development.Shaker-like K+channels and HAK/KUP/KT transporters are critical components in the K+acquisition and translocation.In this study,we identified 9 Shaker-like K+channel(VvK)and 18 HAK/KUP/KT transporter(VvKUP)genes in grape,which were renamed according to their distributions in the genome and relative linear orders among the distinct chromosomes.Similar structure organizations were found within each group according to the exon/intron structure and protein motif analysis.Chromosomal distribution analysis showed that 9 VvK genes and 18 VvKUP genes were unevenly distributed on 7 or 10 putative grape chromosomes.Three pairs of tandem duplicated genes and one pair of segmental duplicated genes were observed in the expansion of the grape VvKUP genes.Gene expression omnibus(GEO)data analysis showed that VvK and VvKUP genes were expressed differentially in distinct tissues.Various cis-acting regulatory elements pertinent to phytohormone responses and abiotic stresses,including K+deficiency response and drought stress,were detected in the promoter region of VvK and VvKUP genes.This study provides valuable information for further functional studies of VvK and VvKUP genes,and lays a foundation to explore K+uptake and utilization in fruit trees.