xa5 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

OS05G0107700 (xa5, also known as OsTFIIAY) on rice chromosome 5 encodes a transcription initiation factor IIA gamma subunit, possessing general transcription factor (GTF2) activity, TATA-box binding protein (TBP)-class protein binding, and translation initiation factor activity. The protein localizes to the nucleus as part of the TFIIA complex and is associated with transcription initiation from RNA polymerase II promoters. This gene is associated with bacterial blight disease resistance in rice, and is linked to defense responses and cell death. Additionally, xa5 is associated with yield-related traits including grain number, grain weight, panicle number, tiller number, plant height, and root morphology. Studies of related genes in other species further connect the TFIIA gamma family to bacterial blight resistance and arsenic concentration.