GAD — Zea mays

Summary

ZmGAD1 (ZM00001EB037690) on maize chromosome 1 encodes a glutamate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.15) with pyridoxal phosphate and calmodulin binding activities. The gene is associated with GABA biosynthesis and the GABA shunt, as well as glutamate, proline, polyamine, and hydrogen peroxide metabolism. It has been linked to nitrogen fixation, oxidative phosphorylation, and carboxylic acid metabolism. ZmGAD1 is associated with several agronomically important traits, including drought and cold tolerance, germination rate, grain filling period, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal resistance, nitrate uptake, and contents of reducing sugars, soluble protein, amino acids, and protein. The encoded protein localizes to the cytosol and endoplasmic reticulum. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to root, shoot, and seed development, as well as tolerance to cold, salinity, and flooding stress.