PEP — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB391060, designated PEP (ZmPEP) on maize chromosome 9, encodes a KH domain-containing protein with RNA and mRNA binding activity and DNA-binding transcription factor activity. The gene is associated with C4 photosynthesis, bundle sheath cell differentiation, ear development, floral organ identity specification, and maintenance of floral organ identity. It has been linked to numerous agronomic traits including photosynthetic rate, carbon isotope discrimination, water use efficiency, chlorophyll content, anthocyanin content, plant height, leaf elongation rate, flowering time, days to flowering, pollen fertility, drought tolerance, disease tolerance, and stalk morphology. The protein localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, and nuclear speckles. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to floral transition, vegetative phase change, floral determinacy, and pathogen resistance.