HY4 (ZM00001EB244770) — Zea mays

Summary

ZmHY4 (also known as ZmCRY1A, ZmBLU1, and OOP2) on maize chromosome 5 encodes a cryptochrome photoreceptor with DNA photolyase activity, blue/red/far-red light photoreceptor activity, FAD binding, gibberellin binding, and bHLH transcription factor binding. It is associated with photoperiod sensitivity, light quality response, far-red and red light sensitivity, UV light sensitivity, seedling vigor, leaf area, stem length, ear weight, panicle number, seed set percent, popping expansion volume, flower diameter, phenolic compound content, insect damage, glyphosate sensitivity, and temperature stress response. The gene is linked to delayed flowering, dwarfism, GA insensitivity, reduced seed number and yield, and PAMP-triggered immunity. It localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and plasmalemma, and participates in cryptochrome activation pathways. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to hypocotyl growth inhibition, floral initiation, grain yield, cold tolerance, and resistance to Pseudomonas syringae.