Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv10.1

Title: A highly active ATP-insensitive K+ import pathway in plant mitochondria.

Authors: Fernando Ruy, Aníbal E Vercesi, Paula B M Andrade, M Lucia Bianconi, Hernan Chaimovich, Alicia J Kowaltowski

Journal, date & volume: J. Bioenerg. Biomembr., 2004 Apr , 36, 195-202

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15224969

Abstract
We describe here a regulated and highly active K+ uptake pathway in potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), and maize (Zea mays) mitochondria. K+ transport was not inhibited by ATP, NADH, or thiol reagents, which regulate ATP-sensitive K+ channels previously described in plant and mammalian mitochondria. However, K+ uptake was completely prevented by quinine, a broad spectrum K+ channel inhibitor. Increased K+ uptake in plants leads to mitochondrial swelling, respiratory stimulation, heat release, and the prevention of reactive oxygen species formation. This newly described ATP-insensitive K+ import pathway is potentially involved in metabolism regulation and prevention of oxidative stress.