GT1 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmGT1 (ZM00001EB378720) on maize chromosome 9 encodes a protein with oligopeptide transmembrane transporter activity, belonging to the OPT (oligopeptide transporter) family and localised to the membrane and cytoplasm. The gene is associated with sex determination, meristem determinacy, carpel development, pollen sperm cell differentiation, shade avoidance, programmed cell death, detoxification, NO storage, anthocyanin and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and oligopeptide and protein transport. It has been linked to traits including inflorescence branching, ear number, tiller number, and flavonoid content, as well as cadmium tolerance, flowering time, glutathione transport, and phytochelatin content. Related genes in other species are associated with cadmium accumulation in reproductive sink organs, peptide transport, stress resistance, and metal and zinc homeostasis.