GW8 — triticum aestivum

Summary

TRAESCS7B02G158500 (TaGW8, also known as TaSPL13-7B) on wheat chromosome 7B encodes a protein with an SBP domain that acts as a DNA-binding transcription activator. It is associated with the maintenance of floral meristem identity, specification of floral organ identity, anther development, and the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase. The gene has been linked to panicle length, floral organ identity, grains per spike, plant height, root length, IAA content, stem rust, and yield. It is also connected to grain size, grain quality, drought tolerance, leaf morphology, vegetative phase change, and somatic embryogenesis. The encoded protein localises to the nucleus and is associated with auxin signalling, cell cycle regulation, and secondary metabolism pathways. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to grain yield, grain shape, grain number, grain width, tiller number, and cell proliferation.