TOC1A — Cicer arietinum

Summary

TOC1A (PRR1) on chickpea chromosome 7 encodes a phosphorelay response regulator with DNA-binding transcription factor activity, blue light photoreceptor activity, and phytochrome binding, containing an ARR-like receiver domain and a CCT domain. The gene is associated with rhythmic processes, circadian clock regulation, and photoentrainment, as well as the downregulation of long-day photoperiodism and flowering. It has been linked to the regulation of auxin biosynthesis, photosynthesis light reactions, stomatal complex patterning, and cuticle development. Associations with agronomic traits include photoperiod sensitivity, seed protein content, starch grain synthesis, leaf area, vegetative vigor, drought stress tolerance, abscisic acid accumulation, and responses to nematodes, aphids, and spot blotch. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to circadian rhythm, photoperiodic flowering, root development, biomass, seed size, and drought recovery.