MFT — Triticum aestivum

Summary

TRAESCS3B02G007400, designated TaMFT on wheat chromosome 3B, encodes a phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP family). The gene is associated with the regulation of flowering time, including photoperiodism, the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase, and vernalization response. It is linked to seed development, maturation, and germination, as well as response to abscisic acid. TaMFT has been connected to grain dormancy, pre-harvest sprouting, heading time, days to maturity, grain yield, harvest index, test weight, grain protein content, and grain iron and zinc concentrations. Additional associations include awn length, seed and pericarp color, plant vigor, stand establishment, drought sensitivity, net photosynthetic rate, and lateral root number. The protein localizes to the cytoplasm, nucleus, and endoplasmic reticulum. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to seed dormancy, germination, panicle architecture, and drought tolerance.