Objective Potassium (K+) is the most abundant mineral element in plants, and together with nitrogen and phosphorous, is limiting for plant production in many natural and agricultural habitats. Voltage-gated K+ channels are key players in the acquisition of K+ from the soil and in its redistribution within the plant. Interestingly, members of the family of plant voltage-gated K+ channels are structurally very similar but functionally they segregate into inward-rectifying (Kin) channels that allow plant cells to accumulate K+, outward-rectifying (Kout) channels that mediate K+ efflux, and weak-rectifying (Kweak) channels with the unique characteristic that they can act in two different gating modes. They are either inward-rectifying channels mediating K+ uptake only or non-rectifying channels transporting K+ in both directions over the plasmamembrane. This proposal aims at identifying the reasons for these divergences.One goal is to identify the molecular basis for the opposite rectification of Kin and Kout channels. To achieve this, generation of synthetic Kin and Kout channels is accompanied by in silico structural molecular modeling and dynamics simulations. This combined approach is novel and will allow detailed structural and functional insights into the regulation of plant K+ channels.Another goal is to identify mechanisms that regulate Kweak channel activity. Gating properties of these channels are strongly regulated by a complex spectrum of posttranslational modifications. By diverse approaches entities of the regulatory network are identified and the dynamics of this network is investigated in computational simulations. Beneficial aspects of Kweak channel regulation that were uncovered in Arabidopsis will be tested also in a crop plant species. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkali metalsagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculture Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID Address Calle ramiro de maeztu 7 edificio rectorado 28040 Madrid Spain See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Gonzalo Leon (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
