BZIP — Medicago truncatula

Summary

MtBZIP (MTR_4G070860) on barrel medic chromosome 4 encodes a bZIP transcription factor of the GBF1 subfamily, with DNA-binding and protein dimerization activity. The gene is associated with nitrogen fixation, seed development, leaf senescence, lateral root formation, autophagy, cell death, and the biosynthesis of indole alkaloids, lignin, and saponins. It has been linked to forage yield, soluble protein, sugar, proline, and chlorophyll content, as well as photosynthetic rate and drought tolerance. The encoded protein localizes to the nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to traits including plant height, root architecture, seed weight and dormancy, flowering time, and responses to salt, drought, and acid stress.