HKT transporters mediate salt stress resistance in plants: from structure and function to the field

- HKT transporter-mediated Na+ absorption in root stelar cells is a key salt tolerance mechanism.
- HKTs are presently the most widely known genes that enhance salt tolerance and yield in crops.
- HKT/Trk/Ktr have selectivity filters related to K+ channels.
- HKT/Trk/Ktr have a unique gating mechanism located in the transmembrane segments.
- External stresses cause time-dependent and tissue expression changes of HKTs.