A degenerate oligonucleotide corresponding to the K+ channel signature sequence (TMTTVGYGD) was used to isolate the genomic and cDNA forms of a new channel gene, AKT3, from Arabidopsis thaliana. The deduced protein sequence has a predicted membrane topography similar to Shaker-like K+ channels. Three distinct modules comprise the carboxyl-terminal half: a nucleotide-binding motif, an ankyrin repeat domain, and a polyglutamate track. Xenopus oocytes injected with cRNA exhibited an inward-rectifying K+ current, demonstrating that the AKT3 polypeptide is a functional transport protein. Two other Arabidopsis K+ transporters (AKT1 and KAT1) share 60% homology with AKT3; together these proteins constitute a family of plant inward-rectifying K+ channels.
