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Published on: April 17, 2016
Phosphorylation of GhSKD1 by GhCIPK6D1 regulates potassium efflux during the drought response in cotton
Weinan Sun1,2, Dandan Yue1, Linjie Xia1
1National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P. R. China.
Abstract:
The calcineurin B-like (CBL)-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) signaling network is the core regulatory node in the response to abiotic stress in plants; it regulates plant homeostasis by regulating various proteins mediating ion transport. However, there are few reports on CIPK-mediated ion transporters in the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) response to drought stress. Through yeast two-hybrid assays, we identified SUPPRESSOR OF K+ TRANSPORT GROWTH DEFECT 1 (GhSKD1), which interacts with GhCIPK6D1. GhSKD1 was significantly up-regulated after drought stress, while GhSKD1 localized to the cell membrane and nucleus. Functional studies revealed that GhSKD1 positively regulates K+ efflux, thus enhancing drought tolerance in cotton. Genetic and biochemical evidence showed that the phosphorylation of GhSKD1 by GhCIPK6D1 mediates K+ influx in guard cells, thereby regulating stomatal aperture and drought tolerance in cotton. GhSKD1 represents a previously uncharacterized protein that mediates potassium ion transport during the drought stress response. This finding identifies another target of CIPK regulation in the CPL-CIPK signaling network and provides insights into the mechanisms of drought tolerance in plants.
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