MPK9 — Brachypodium distachyon

Summary

BRADI_1G34700V3, also known as MPK9, MPK17, or BWMK1, encodes a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with serine/threonine kinase activity (EC 2.7.11.24) and ATP binding capability, belonging to the MAP kinase family. In Brachypodium distachyon, this gene is associated with intracellular signal transduction, abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, and response to thirst. It has been linked to biotic plant stress trait, disease tolerance, stomatal closure, water loss, impaired stomatal response to ABA, enhanced water loss, biotic stress resistance, viral disease resistance, and pathogen resistance. The encoded protein localizes to the mitochondria, cytosol, cytoplasm, and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the MPK9 family to defense responses, osmotic stress tolerance, and traits including drought tolerance, cold tolerance, plant height, chlorophyll content, and grain texture.