AAT — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB336900, designated ZmAAT (also known as ZmVAS1, PAT, ISS1, and IDI4) on maize chromosome 8, encodes a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent aminotransferase belonging to the AspAT/PAT-like family. The enzyme exhibits multiple transaminase activities, including kynurenine-oxoglutarate, methionine-oxo-acid, and L-aspartate:prephenate transaminase activities, and is localized to the chloroplast stroma, mitochondria, and cytosol. ZmAAT is associated with auxin and ethylene biosynthesis, aromatic amino acid metabolism, carotene anabolism, and shade avoidance. It has been linked to agronomic traits including grain yield, plant height, leaf angle, days to maturity, seedling vigor, carotenoid content, and insect damage. The gene is also associated with systemic acquired resistance, fruit ripening, and regulation of growth.