UFGT — Lactuca sativa

Summary

LsUFGT (UFGT), located on chromosome 8 of garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa), encodes a UDP-glycosyltransferase with experimentally confirmed kaempferol 3-O-galactosyltransferase, cyanidin 3-O-galactosyltransferase, anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase, flavonol 3-O-glucosyltransferase, quercetin 7-O-glucosyltransferase, and quercetin 3-O-glucosyltransferase activities. The gene is associated with the biosynthesis of anthocyanins, flavonoids, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin O-glucoside, and sucrose, as well as phenylpropanoid metabolism and positive regulation of anthocyanin production. It has been linked to shoot fresh weight, quantum yield, and chlorophyll content. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to anthocyanin content, flower and root color, and drought tolerance.