GW8 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

OS08G0531600 (GW8, also known as OsSPL13) encodes a DNA-binding transcription activator with an SBP (Squamosa Promoter Binding Protein) domain, localised to the nucleus. In rice, this gene is associated with the regulation of DNA-templated transcription, cell division, the cell cycle, anther development, the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase, response to fungi, and RNA-directed DNA methylation. It is linked to grain thickness, grain appearance, amylose content, panicle length, cytoplasmic male sterility, grain length, heterosis, grain weight, and plant height. Associations with leaf morphology, drought tolerance, vegetative phase transitions, somatic embryogenesis, adventitious root development, and oriented cell division have also been observed. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to additional traits such as inflorescence branching, heading time, tiller number, seed size, and stress tolerance.