TIL — Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Summary

BvTIL (BVRB_8G192500) on sugar beet chromosome 8 encodes a lipocalin-family protein, containing Lipocalin_ApoD and cytosolic fatty-acid binding domains, with retinal-binding molecular function. The gene is associated with responses to multiple abiotic stresses, including freezing, heat, cold, high light intensity, hypoxia, and paraquat-induced oxidative stress, as well as with hyperosmotic salinity response and activation of salinity response. It is linked to cellular chloride and sodium ion homeostasis, seed maturation, and heat acclimation. The encoded protein localises to diverse compartments including the chloroplast envelope, ER, Golgi, vacuole, plasmodesmata, and plasma membrane. BvTIL is associated with photosynthetic rate and decreased osmotic stress tolerance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to drought and salt tolerance, heat tolerance, seed longevity, leaf senescence, and flowering time.