Identification and characterization of potassium (K+) transporters in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Identification and characterization of potassium (K+) transporters in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Potassium (K+) transporter genes have important roles in K+ acquisition, allocation and signal transduction. The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of the K+ transporter genes/proteins and to study their expression profiles under K+ deficiency condition in potato (Solanum tuberosum). Strict homology searches were used to find 33 K+ transporter genes located on potato chromosomes 1 to 12. Gene features, protein features and subcellular Localization were analyzed, and 10 segment duplications were identified from these 33 genes. The functions of K+ transporter genes were predicted by phylogenetic analysis and analysis of promoter sequences. After Potassium starvation, 12, 13 and 18 K+ transporter genes were up regulated in roots, stems and leaves, respectively. In addition, the expression of StHAK5, StHAK11 and StKCO2 were up-regulated in potato roots, stems and leaves under phosphate deficiency. Our findings provide a comprehensive view of members of the K+ transporter family involved in the response to K+ starvation growth.