Plants rely on potassium (K) not only as an essential nutrient for growth but also as a key regulator of their immune responses. As a vital macronutrient, K+ maintains cellular turgor pressure, regulates stomatal movement, and supports enzymatic activities that influence metabolic and stress-response pathways. Beyond these physiological roles, recent studies suggest that K+ transporters, such as AKT1 and HAK5, actively participate in plant defense mechanisms. When exposed to pathogens, plants undergo dynamic shifts in K+ homeostasis, triggering changes in membrane potential, immune signaling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, the molecular interactions between K+ transport and plant immunity remain largely unknown, necessitating a deeper investigation into the signaling pathways that govern this relationship.

Our research aims to unravel the intricate crosstalk between K+ uptake, transport mechanisms, and immune responses in plants. By employing genetic, molecular, and physiological approaches, we explore how pathogens manipulate K+ transporters to suppress plant defenses and how plants counteract such attacks through regulatory mechanisms. Using Arabidopsis as a model system, we analyze the relationship between K+ availability and plant immunity, focusing on identifying key transporters and regulatory factors involved in this process. Understanding these molecular mechanisms will provide fundamental insights into plant adaptation to biotic stress and offer new strategies for improving crop resilience through optimized nutrient management and genetic enhancements. Through this research, we aim to contribute to sustainable agriculture by developing K-efficient crops with enhanced disease resistance.