Guard cell outward rectifying potassium (GORK) channel activity is associated with channel clustering at the guard cell membrane. We show that clustering and gating both depend on an extended ‘antenna’ of bound channel voltage sensors. Uncoupling clustering and gating facilitates K+ flux, accelerating stomatal movements in environments typical for plants in the field.
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This is a summary of: Horaruang, W. et al. Engineering a K+ channel ‘sensory antenna’ enhances stomatal kinetics, water use efficiency and photosynthesis. Nat. Plants https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-022-01255-2 (2022).
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Exploiting a channel voltage ‘antenna’ for gains in water use efficiency and biomass. Nat. Plants 8, 1216–1217 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-022-01268-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-022-01268-x
