HKT1 — Oryza sativa Indica Group

Summary

BGIOSGA020584 (HKT1, also known as OiHKT1 or HKT2;1) on chromosome 6 of Indica rice encodes a transmembrane cation transporter with sodium and potassium transporter activity, belonging to the TrkH_K-transport and Cat_transpt domain families. The protein localises to the plasma membrane, Golgi membrane and ER membrane. In this species, HKT2;1 is associated with salt stress and salt tolerance, particularly in seedlings, and with shoot and root growth, potassium homeostasis, and sodium and potassium ion membrane transport. The gene is linked to regulation of sodium transporter activity and to sodium content and salinity tolerance traits. Related genes in other species are associated with sodium uptake, potassium uptake, seedling vigour, grain yield, plant height, tiller number, chlorophyll content, drought tolerance and germination rate.