Study advances of plant inward rectifying K+ channel AKT1

Potassium (K+) is one of the major nutrients, essential for plant growth and development. Inward rectifying K+ channel AKT1 belongs to Shaker-type K+ channels, and a K+ sensor in the plasma membrane has been shown to play an important role in mediating K+ uptake. AKT1 is also essential for normal growth and development, stomatal action and transpiration, and improving the drought and salt tolerance of plants. In this review, we consider recent advances in molecular structure, localization, expression, regulation and function of AKT1. Finally, research directions for the future are proposed, including the use of proteomics, gene engineering technology, and posttranscriptional gene silencing, in order to further investigate the role of AKT1 in plant physiological metabolism.