HKT1 — Triticum turgidum subsp. durum

Summary

TRITD7BV1G172420, designated TtHKT1 on durum wheat chromosome 7B, encodes a member of the Trk/HKT potassium transporter family with transmembrane cation, sodium and potassium transporter activity and symporter activity. The gene is associated with sodium and potassium ion membrane transport, regulation of sodium transporter activity, potassium ion homeostasis and metal ion transport. Its product localises to the plasmalemma, Golgi membrane and ER membrane. TtHKT1 is associated with salinity tolerance, seedling vigour, tiller number, germination rate and chlorophyll content. Studies of the rice relative HKT2;1 link the family to salt stress, potassium homeostasis and shoot and root growth, while related genes in other species are associated with sodium uptake, grain yield, plant height, canopy temperature, drought tolerance and proline content.