VAR1 — Brachypodium distachyon

Summary

BdVAR1 (BRADI_1G02247V3) on chromosome 1 of Brachypodium distachyon encodes a AAA chloroplast protein-transporting ATPase with ATP-dependent metallopeptidase and protease activities, and is associated with the Ycf2/FtsHi complex. The gene is associated with variegated leaf, chloroplast development, and thylakoid membrane organization, as well as response to thermal stimulus, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species. Associations extend to traits including heading time, spikelet number, whole plant size, herbicide sensitivity, and boron and zinc sensitivity. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to oxidative stress tolerance, leaf morphology, shoot apical meristem function, and photosystem II proteostasis, as well as chloroplast development and ABA response.