SPL9 — Cicer arietinum

Summary

CaSPL9 (LOC101492646) on chickpea chromosome 4 encodes a protein with an SBP domain that binds DNA and zinc, localises to the nucleus and has DNA-binding transcription activator activity and DNA-binding transcription factor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific. The gene is associated with regulation of leaf formation, secondary shoot formation, anther and flower development, transition from vegetative to reproductive phase, and upregulation of vernalisation response. It is linked to cell size control, cell population proliferation, activation of defence response to bacteria, response to cold, and signal transduction. Phenotypic associations include juvenile-to-adult phase transition, vegetative phase change, flowering time, leaf morphology, trichome spatial distribution, cuticular wax production, freezing tolerance, inflorescence architecture, shoot branching, lateral root development, adventitious root development, abiotic stress tolerance, ABA response, pre-harvest sprouting, and seed carotenoid content. Studies of related genes in other species link the SPL9 family to leaf development, anthocyanin biosynthesis, disease resistance, and phosphorus deficiency tolerance.