KAI2 — Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary

AT4G37470, known as KAI2 (KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE 2) in Arabidopsis thaliana, encodes an alpha/beta hydrolase family protein with hydrolase activity and protein binding capability. The gene is associated with detection of parasitic plants, response to karrikin and strigolactone, regulation of flavonoid anabolism, abscisic acid breakdown, brassinosteroid metabolism, cuticle anabolism, and shade avoidance. KAI2 has been linked to drought resistance, germination, lateral root density, epidermal cell length, stem cell maintenance, anthocyanin accumulation, and abiotic stress tolerance. It localizes to the cytosol, nucleus, and SCF ubiquitin ligase complex. The gene is also associated with tiller bud dormancy, seed yield, seedling vigor, bacterial blight resistance, root branching, stomatal closure, cold tolerance, salt tolerance, heat stress tolerance, and hormone homeostasis including auxin, cytokinin, and salicylic acid levels.