NCBI Accession #
NP_173616.2
NCBI GenBank Nucleotide #
NM_102046.5
NCBI Official Full Name
Histone superfamily protein
NCBI Official Symbol
LEC1
NCBI Official Synonym Symbols
AtLEC1; EMB 212; EMB212; EMBRYO DEFECTIVE 212; LEAFY COTYLEDON 1; NF-YB9; NUCLEAR FACTOR Y; SUBUNIT B9; T26F17.20; T26F17_20
NCBI Protein Information
Histone superfamily protein
NCBI Summary
Transcriptional activator of genes required for both embryo maturation and cellular differentiation. Sequence is similar to HAP3 subunit of the CCAAT-box binding factor. HAP3 subunit is divided into three domains: an amino-terminal A domain, a central B domain, and a carboxyl-terminal C domain. LEC1 shared high similarity with other HAP3 homologs only in central, B domain. LEC1 is required for the specification of cotyledon identity and the completion of embryo maturation. It was sufficient to induce embryogenic programs in vegetative cells, suggesting that LEC1 is a major embryonic regulator that mediates the switch between embryo and vegetative development. Mutants are desiccation intolerant, have trichomes on cotyledons and exhibit precocious meristem activation. Levels of the ABI3 and FUS3 transcripts were significantly reduced in developing siliques of the lec1-1 mutants, indicating that LEC1 down-regulates FUS3 and ABI3.When LEC1 is overexpressed from an inducible promoter, the expression of numerous genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis is increased suggesting a role in positive regulation of FA biosynthesis.
UniProt Synonym Gene Names
LEC1; AtNF-YB-9
UniProt Protein Name
Nuclear transcription factor Y subunit B-9
UniProt Synonym Protein Names
Protein LEAFY COTYLEDON 1
UniProt Primary Accession #
Q9SFD8
UniProt Secondary Accession #
O81130; C0SUX1
UniProt Related Accession #
Q9SFD8
UniProt Comments
Component of the NF-Y/HAP transcription factor complex. The NF-Y complex stimulates the transcription of various genes by recognizing and binding to a CCAAT motif in promoters. Acts as a central regulator of the embryogenesis. Required for the speciation of cotyledon identity and the completion of embryo maturation. Controls seed storage protein genes through the regulation of FUS3 and ABI3. Involved in the blue light (BL) and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways.