TT8 — Medicago truncatula

Summary

MTR_1G072320, designated MtTT8 (also known as MtBHLH42), encodes a protein with a bHLH domain and DNA-binding, transcription-factor and protein-dimerization activities, and localises to both the nucleus and cytoplasm. In barrel medic, MtTT8 is associated with the regulation of proanthocyanidin, flavonoid, phenylpropanoid and carotenoid anabolism, pigmentation, trichome differentiation, epidermal cell fate specification, mucilage anabolism during seed coat development, and responses to UV light, oxidative stress, cadmium and temperature extremes. The gene is linked to seed colour, seed weight, germination rate, stem dry weight, root hair length, flowering time, anthocyanin and flavonoid content, oleic acid content, lignin biosynthesis, and biotic and abiotic stress response traits. Related genes in other species are associated with proanthocyanidin accumulation, seed coat pigmentation, anthocyanin production, trichome and root hair development, and UV-B tolerance.