XIAO — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

Rice gene XIAO (OS04G0576900) on chromosome 4 encodes a transmembrane receptor serine/threonine kinase with leucine-rich repeat domains, possessing kinase activity, steroid binding, SNARE binding, and signaling receptor activity. It is associated with brassinosteroid signaling and detection of brassinosteroid stimulus, as well as regulation of cell growth, stomatal complex development, and organ size. The gene is linked to dwarf and erect phenotypes, seed germination, seedling development, anther wall tapetum development, megasporogenesis, microsporogenesis, embryo sac development, skotomorphogenesis, heat acclimation, and activation of salinity response. It localizes to the plasma membrane, endosome, and extracellular regions, and is associated with sucrose metabolism, microtubule bundling, and post-embryonic plant organ development. Related genes in other species link the family to similar developmental and signaling processes.