D3 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

Rice gene D3 (Os06g0154200, also known as OsMAX2) encodes an F-box protein containing leucine-rich repeats, a domain architecture characteristic of SCF ubiquitin ligase complex components. The gene product has transcription regulator activity and binds DNA and proteins. D3 is associated with the regulation of shoot morphogenesis, bud dilation, secondary thickening, and cellular response to brassinosteroid stimulus. It is linked to positive regulation of leaf senescence, auxin polar transport, and SCF complex assembly. Observed phenotypes include altered senescence, cell death, and culm development. The gene is associated with traits such as tiller formation, grain shape, plant height, branching, strigolactone and gibberellic acid content, abscisic acid concentration, and photoperiod-sensitive flowering time. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to strigolactone perception, drought tolerance, axillary branching, and disease resistance.