HYD1 — Triticum turgidum subsp. durum

Summary

TRITD5BV1G008700 (HYD1, also known as MAD4) on durum wheat chromosome 5B encodes a protein with steroid D-isomerase activity and C-8 sterol isomerase activity, belonging to the EBP/EXPERA domain family. This gene is associated with sterol anabolism and carotenoid metabolism, including carotenoid anabolism, as well as photoprotection and cold acclimation. The protein localises to the ER membrane, nucleus, and general membrane compartments. HYD1 is linked to multiple agronomic traits including lutein, zeaxanthin, carotene, and total carotenoid content, chlorophyll content, spike length, and plant height. It has also been connected to embryonic cell patterning, root patterning and growth, vascular tissue development, stomatal development, cellulose biosynthesis, and cell wall integrity. Related genes in other species link the family to sterol isomerase function and defective cell patterning with reduced root systems.