HAP3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmHAP3 (also known as NF-YB8, HAP3A, and NF-YB10) on maize chromosome 6 encodes a DNA-binding transcription activator with RNA polymerase II-specific activity, a member of the NF-YB/HAP3 transcription factor family characterized by a histone-fold domain. The gene is associated with C4 photosynthesis, tissue morphogenesis, cell wall assembly, and regulation of long-day photoperiodism and flowering time. It has been linked to numerous agronomic traits including grain size, seed dormancy, germination rate, root length, leaf angle, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, starch and protein content, lignin content, disease tolerance, salt response, and heterosis. The encoded protein localizes to the nucleus, cytosol, plastid, and RNA polymerase II complex, and is associated with regulation of fumonisin anabolism and secondary metabolism.