CRL1 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmCRL1, encoded by the maize gene ZM00001EB442970 on chromosome scaf_674, is a LOB domain-containing protein that acts as a DNA-binding transcription activator and can homodimerize. It localizes to the nucleus and is associated with a wide range of developmental and metabolic processes, including adventitious and primary root development, root morphogenesis, auxin polar transport and anabolism, hormone and flavonoid metabolism, cell cycle control, and secondary cell wall and lignin biogenesis. The gene is linked to several agronomically important traits, such as crown root number, root length and dry weight, grain number and yield per plant, plant height, tiller number, seed viability and maturation, and phosphorus and protein content. Studies of related genes in other species further connect the family to crown root development, auxin and cytokinin responses, and heat tolerance.