CO — Lactuca sativa

Summary

LsCO (CO, FG) on lettuce chromosome 5 encodes a CONSTANS-like protein with a CCT domain. The gene is associated with flower formation, photoperiod sensitivity, and regulation of the phytochrome signaling pathway. It has been linked to photoentrainment of the circadian clock, temperature compensation, and positive regulation of photomorphogenesis. Associations also include upregulation of chlorophyll breakdown, vegetative vigor, leaf angle, leaf trichome density, seed protein content, iron content, water stress response, nitrogen sensitivity, and red and far-red light sensitivity. Related genes in other species connect it to photoperiod-dependent flowering time, heat stress tolerance, disease resistance, root architecture, trichome development, and tuberization.