HY4 — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB182820 (ZmHY4, also known as ZmCRY1A) on maize chromosome 4 encodes a protein with cryptochrome and DNA photolyase domains, and is associated with blue-light photoreceptor activity, DNA photolyase activity, FAD binding, and gibberellin-binding capacity. The gene is associated with light quality and photoperiod sensitivity, far-red and red light sensitivity, and UV light sensitivity. It has been linked to numerous agronomic traits including ear weight, seed set percent, panicle number, stem length, leaf area, seedling vigor, and whole plant size. Associations also extend to gibberellin biosynthesis, starch grain synthesis, phenolic compound content, and viral disease response. The encoded protein localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria, and is connected to the activation of cryptochrome signaling pathways. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to hypocotyl growth inhibition, floral initiation, and resistance to Pseudomonas syringae.