LEC2 — Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary

AT1G28300, known as LEC2 (LEAFY COTYLEDON 2) in Arabidopsis thaliana, encodes a B3 DNA-binding domain transcription factor localized to the nucleus. This gene is associated with seed maturation and somatic embryogenesis, and has been linked to the accumulation of seed oil, triacylglycerol, fatty acids, and storage proteins. LEC2 is associated with seed oilbody biogenesis, triglyceride storage, and the acquisition of desiccation tolerance. It is also associated with positive regulation of auxin biosynthesis, embryonic organogenesis, and shoot regeneration. Trait associations include seed weight, seed coat color, seed dormancy, harvest index, oleic acid content, iron content, and protein content. Additionally, LEC2 has been linked to leaf oil accumulation, lateral root formation, and vernalization memory, with studies in tobacco and yeast connecting related genes in other species to embryogenic callus formation and seed-specific promoter activation.