RD — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB159020, designated RD (also known as DFR, TT3, and ZmDFR) on maize chromosome 3, encodes a protein with NAD(P)-binding and epimerase/dehydratase domains that exhibits flavanone 4-reductase, dihydroflavanol 4-reductase, chalcone isomerase, naringenin-chalcone synthase, and flavonol synthase activities. The gene is associated with pigment accumulation, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis, chromatin decompaction, nuclear export, and response to gravity. It has been linked to numerous agronomic traits including grain, seed, pericarp, awn, flower, and leaf color; seedling height, germination ratio, relative growth rate, photosynthetic ability, chilling stress response, herbicide sensitivity, insect damage response, lignin and starch content, transpiration rate, and stomatal closure. The protein localizes to the cytosol, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and tonoplast. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to flavonol and glucosinolate biosynthesis, seed coat pigmentation, male fertility, salt and UV-B tolerance, and grain yield.