LF — Cicer arietinum

Summary

CaLF (also known as TFL1C or LF) on chickpea chromosome 8 encodes a phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) family member, with molecular function annotated as phosphatidylethanolamine binding. The gene is associated with the regulation of flowering time, including response to short-day conditions, photoperiodism, and the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase. It is linked to both upregulation and downregulation of vernalization response and flower development, as well as inflorescence development and cell differentiation. CaLF has been connected to flowering under drought stress and responses to abiotic stimuli. The protein localises to the cytoplasm, nucleus, and endoplasmic reticulum. Studies of related PEBP family members in other species further link this gene family to the control of flowering time and inflorescence architecture.