GT1 — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB269450 (ZmGT1, also known as ZmOPT8) on maize chromosome 6 encodes an oligopeptide transporter of the OPT family, with oligopeptide transmembrane transporter activity and localisation to the membrane and plasma membrane. The gene is associated with sex determination, meristem determinacy, carpel development, pollen sperm cell differentiation, shade avoidance, programmed cell death, detoxification, and anthocyanin and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. It has been linked to inflorescence branching, ear number, tiller number, flavonoid content, cadmium tolerance, flowering time, and glutathione transport. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to cadmium accumulation in reproductive sink organs, metal homeostasis, peptide and zinc transport, stress resistance, and spikelet number.