Expression pattern analysis of a highaffinity K+ transporter gene PutHKT2;1 from halophyte Puccinellia tenuiflora

The HKT transporters from higher plants function as relatively K+-Na+ transporters, playing vital roles in salt tolerance. We analyzed the expression pattern of PutHKT2;1 from Puccinellia tenuiflora by RTPCR method. The results showed that the expression of PutHKT2;1 was induced dramatically in roots under K+starvation stress for 24 h, but its expression was only slightly regulated by all stresses in shoots, therefore, the expression of PutHKT2;1had tissue specificity. Under 1 mmolL-1 K+ or K+ starvation stress, PutHKT2;1 expression gradually decreased with salt concentration increase. PutHKT2;1 may play an important role in roots, which may control Na+ uptake, strengthen the selectivity of K+ over Na+ and enhance salt tolerance.