SPL9 — Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary

AT2G42200 (SPL9) encodes a squamosa promoter binding protein-like 9 transcription factor, containing an SBP domain, with DNA-binding transcription factor activity specific to RNA polymerase II. In Arabidopsis, SPL9 is associated with resistance to Botrytis cinerea, flavonol content, and negative regulation of anthocyanin anabolism. The gene is linked to numerous developmental and stress-related traits, including plastochron, leaf width and morphology, flowering time, vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition, shoot and root branching, trichome development, and responses to abiotic stresses such as submergence, low temperature, and oxidative stress. SPL9 is also associated with pre-harvest sprouting, thermomorphogenesis, phloem loading, and hormone metabolism. The protein localises to both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to disease resistance and carotenoid content.