Auxin-induced K(+) channel expression represents an essential step in coleoptile growth and gravitropism

Auxin-induced growth of coleoptiles depends on the presence of potassium and is suppressed by K(+) channel blockers. To evaluate the role of K(+) channels in auxin-mediated growth, we isolated and functionally expressed ZMK1 and ZMK2 (Zea mays K(+) channel 1 and 2), two potassium channels from maize coleoptiles. In growth experiments, the time course of auxin-induced expression of ZMK1 coincided with the kinetics of coleoptile elongation. Upon gravistimulation of maize seedlings, ZMK1 expression followed the gravitropic-induced auxin redistribution. K(+) channel expression increased even before a bending of the coleoptile was observed. The transcript level of ZMK2, expressed in vascular tissue, was not affected by auxin. In patch-clamp studies on coleoptile protoplasts, auxin increased K(+) channel density while leaving channel properties unaffected. Thus, we conclude that coleoptile growth depends on the transcriptional up-regulation of ZMK1, an inwardly rectifying K(+) channel expressed in the nonvascular tissue of this organ.