PIF7 — Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary

AT5G61270, known as PIF7, encodes a phytochrome-interacting basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana. The product possesses transcription regulator activator activity, phytochrome binding, and red/far-red light photoreceptor activity, and is localized to the nucleus, chloroplast nucleoid, and plasmodesmata. PIF7 is associated with the shade avoidance syndrome, positive regulation of thermomorphogenesis, and regulation of photosynthesis and auxin biosynthesis. It has been linked to traits including stem number, leaf area, chlorophyll content, drought recovery, photoperiod sensitivity, and far-red light sensitivity. The gene is also associated with plastid transcription, anthocyanin metabolism, and responses to water-immersion stress and superoxide. Studies of related genes in other species associate the family with susceptibility to hemibiotrophs.