The Role of Chloride Channels in Plant Responses to NaCl

Chloride (Cl^-) is considered a crucial nutrient for plant growth, but it can be a challenge under saline conditions. Excessive accumulation of Cl^- in leaves can cause toxicity. Chloride channels (CLCs) are expressed in the inner membranes of plant cells and function as essential Cl^- exchangers or channels. In response to salt stress in plants, CLCs play a crucial role, and CLC proteins assist in maintaining the intracellular Cl^- homeostasis by sequestering Cl^- into vacuoles. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is the primary substance responsible for causing salt-induced phytotoxicity. However, research on plant responses to Cl^- stress is comparatively rare, in contrast to that emphasizing Na⁺. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the plant response and tolerance to Cl^- stress, specifically focusing on comparative analysis of CLC protein structures in different species. Additionally, to further gain insights into the underlying mechanisms, the study summarizes the identified CLC genes that respond to salt stress. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the response of CLCs in terrestrial plants to salt stress and their biological functions, aiming to gain further insights into the mechanisms underlying the response of CLCs in plants to salt stress.