LFY — Zea mays

Summary

ZmLFY (ZM00001EB430240) on maize chromosome 10 encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor with ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler activity, chromatin and sequence-specific DNA binding, and protein homodimerization activity. It belongs to the FLO/LFY protein family. The gene is associated with ear development, maintenance of inflorescence meristem identity, meristem cell maintenance, formation of plant organ boundaries, root meristem growth, and regulation of vegetative growth and miRNA processing. It has been linked to numerous agronomic traits including tassel branch number, anthesis-silking interval, seed yield, inflorescence branching, plant male sterility, stem diameter, leaf growth, and bacterial disease response. The protein localizes to the nucleus and cytosol. Related genes in other species connect the family to floral development, organogenesis, and salt stress response.