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Title: How do vacuolar NHX exchangers function in plant salt tolerance? Author: Jiang X, Leidi EO, Pardo JM. Journal: Plant Signal Behav; 2010 Jul; 5(7):792-5. PubMed ID: 20495345. Abstract: Potassium (K(+)) is a major osmoticum of plant cells, and the vacuolar accumulation of this element is a especially crucial feature for plants under high-salt conditions. Emerging evidence indicates that cation/proton transporters of the NHX family are instrumental in the H(+)-linked K(+) transport that mediate active K(+) uptake at the tonoplast for the unequal partitioning of K(+) between vacuole and cytosol. However, and in spite of tenuous supporting evidence, NHX proteins are widely regarded as key players in the sequestration of sodium (Na(+)) into vacuoles to avert ion toxicity in the cytosol of plants under salinity stress. Here, we propose an updated model positing that NHX proteins fulfill a protective function to minimize salt-related stress mainly through the vacuolar compartmentalization of K(+) and, in some cases, of Na(+) as well thereby preventing toxic Na(+)-K(+) ratios in the cytosol while accruing solutes for osmotic balance.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]