HY5 — Lactuca sativa

Summary

LsHY5, encoded by the gene LSAT_V11C500239840 on chromosome 5 of garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa), is a bZIP transcription factor belonging to the Hac1/HY5 family. It possesses DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific, and is associated with phytochrome binding, red/far-red light photoreceptor activity, and nuclear import signal receptor activity. The gene is associated with the upregulation of photosynthesis and lateral root development, positive regulation of anthocyanin metabolism, and cellular water homeostasis. It has been associated with numerous agronomic traits, including grain yield, fruit quality, leaf area, root system morphology, seed coat hardness, total soluble sugar content, and responses to light quality, UV-A, and glyphosate. Associations also include fungal tolerance, lycopene content, starch degradation, and mycorrhizal symbiosis. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to light signaling, photoperiod-dependent flowering, and aphid resistance.