PEP — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB023860 (PEP, ZmPEP) on maize chromosome 1 encodes a KH domain-containing protein with RNA binding, mRNA binding, DNA-binding transcription factor activity, and protein binding functions. The gene is associated with C4 photosynthesis, bundle sheath cell differentiation, photorespiration, mRNA transcription and breakdown, floral organ identity specification, pistil development, sexual reproduction, pigmentation, and photoperiodic flowering regulation. It localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, and nuclear speckles. Associations include numerous agronomic traits: photosynthetic rate, carbon isotope discrimination, water use efficiency, chlorophyll content, anthocyanin content, leaf elongation rate, plant height, stalk morphology, flowering time, days to flowering, pollen fertility, disease tolerance, and abiotic stress response. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to floral determinacy, vegetative phase change, and floral morphogenesis, as well as flowering time, shoot morphology, and anthocyanin accumulation.