How to Grow a Tree: Plant Voltage-Dependent Cation Channels in the Spotlight of Evolution

New sequence data resources allow the investigation of physiologically important processes in spotlight evolution to an unprecedented level detail. Outward-rectifying Kout channels and TPC1 – cation predominantly involved electrical signalling angiosperms have remained largely conserved during land plant evolution. Inward-rectifying potassium segregated into different subclades seed plants, after their divergence from a common ancestor with ferns. Mosses lost subclade outward-rectifying channels, while lycophytes inward-rectifying clade Shaker K+ channels. liverworts (setaphytes) show second TPC1-type that are likely sensitivity toward cytosolic luminal Ca2+. Phylogenetic analysis can be powerful tool for generating hypotheses regarding physiological processes. Here, we provide updated view main signalling: family voltage-gated two-pore (K+) channel (TPC1) family. Strikingly, followed same conservative evolutionary path as one particular subfamily (Kout) highly invariant terrestrialisation, suggesting was, remains, key survival on land. We note phylogenetic analyses pitfalls, which may lead erroneous conclusions. To avoid these future, suggest guidelines ion plants. These open hyperpolarisation uptake cytosol. depolarisation release apoplast. Their activity is modulated by external concentration. silent subunits. Together Kin subunits they form heteromeric modulate features weakly rectifying bimodal specialised switched post-translational modifications between mode mode. type targeted vacuole membrane activates depolarisation. carries SV currents stimulated Ca2+ inhibited setaphytes TPC1-like structure but modified regions usually coordinate ions normal TPC1.