RAC1 — Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare

Summary

HORVU.MOREX.R3.6HG0549810 (HvRAC1) on barley chromosome 6H encodes a small GTPase of the Rho family. The product is associated with GDP binding, GTPase binding, and multiple transferase activities including protein geranylgeranyltransferase and farnesyltransferase activities. HvRAC1 is linked to small GTPase-mediated signal transduction, regulation of calcium-mediated signaling, cytoskeleton organization, and cell polarity establishment. It has been connected to secondary cell wall biogenesis in seed trichomes and phragmoplast assembly. In barley, the gene family is associated with susceptibility to powdery mildew. Broader associations include seed yield, plant dry weight, root and shoot growth traits, hormone signaling (auxin, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, ethylene), and responses to abiotic stresses such as osmotic, salt, and cadmium stress. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to disease resistance, grain number, and fertility.