FL1 — Lactuca sativa

Summary

LsFL1 (FL1) on chromosome 4 of garden lettuce encodes a MADS-box transcription factor with a MEF2-like domain, possessing DNA-binding, transcription factor activity, and additional molecular functions including SUMO transferase activity and mRNA regulatory element binding translation repressor activity. The gene is associated with the regulation of flowering time, particularly through short-day photoperiodism and vernalization response, as well as floral meristem identity, floral whorl development, and stomatal lineage progression. It is linked to numerous traits including days to flowering, photoperiod-sensitive flowering, flower and inflorescence morphology, seed protein content, water use efficiency, leaf size and morphology, anthocyanin content, and responses to abiotic stresses such as high temperature, salt, and aluminum. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to flowering transition, vernalization requirement, thermosensitive flowering, and plant growth.