CKX1 — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB121500 (CKX1) on maize chromosome 3 encodes a cytokinin dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.99.12) with FAD binding and oxidoreductase activity, placing it in the cytokinin dehydrogenase family. The gene is associated with cytokinin degradation, regulation of hormone levels, lateral root branching, root system architecture, and shoot apical meristem size. CKX1 is also linked to grain size, grain width and length, harvest index, leaf width, tiller number, photosynthetic rate, stomatal resistance, drought tolerance, heat tolerance, and heterosis. Additional associations include chloroplast development, anthocyanin content, seed dormancy, and cytoplasmic male sterility. The encoded protein localises to plastids, the ER, vacuole, and cytosol. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to grain number, yield, salinity tolerance, and leaf senescence.