SMZ — Triticum aestivum

Summary

TRAESCS5B02G486900 (TaSMZ) on wheat chromosome 5B encodes an AP2/ERF domain-containing protein with DNA binding, transcription corepressor and coactivator activity, and protein homodimerization ability. This gene is associated with regulation of floral organ abscission, seed abscission, seed development, endosperm development, starch biosynthesis, nitrogen utilization, gibberellic acid homeostasis, seed dormancy, and meiotic cytokinesis. It is linked to negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II and gene expression, as well as downregulation of innate immune response and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance. TaSMZ localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, and transcription regulator complex. Associations with agronomic traits include grain length, grain protein content, seed set percent, spikelet density, emergence time, plant vigor, root dry weight, drought sensitivity, and plant male sterility. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to flowering time, vegetative phase change, and innate immunity.