MPK7 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmMPK7 (MPK7) on maize chromosome 10 encodes a mitogen-activated protein kinase with serine/threonine kinase activity (EC 2.7.11.24) and ATP binding capability, belonging to the MAP kinase family. The protein localizes to both the cytoplasm and nucleus. ZmMPK7 is associated with diverse biological processes including ear development, stomatal opening, auxin transport, calcium signaling, autophagy, induced systemic resistance, double fertilization, and responses to extracellular ATP signaling. The gene has been connected to multiple agronomically important traits including grain yield, grain number, grain size, grain weight, starch content, protein content, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, leaf temperature, nitrogen content, proline content, and tolerance to drought, salinity, cold, and heat stress. Studies of related genes in other species link the gene family to stress signaling and developmental regulation.