FIT — Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary

AT2G28160, designated FIT (FER-LIKE IRON DEFICIENCY INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR), encodes a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor that acts as a transcriptional co-regulator with DNA-binding, chromatin-binding, histone-binding, and protein-dimerization activities. FIT is localized to the nucleus and the Mediator complex. It is associated with cellular responses to iron ion starvation, regulation of iron transport, fraxetin and sideretin biosynthesis, sulfate assimilation, glutathione anabolism, melatonin biosynthesis, and ascorbate biosynthesis. The gene is linked to seed growth, grain size, seed weight, seed yield, root hair density and length, lateral root length, phosphorus and nitrate uptake, iron and cadmium concentration, salt and aluminum response, freezing tolerance, disease resistance, systemic acquired resistance, and circadian regulation. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to carotene content, fruit firmness, and fruit weight.