InterPro domain: IPR029979

Trichome birefringence-like (TBL) proteins are proposed to encode wall poly-saccharide specific O-acetyltransferases. This entry represents protein trichome birefringence-like 29 (TBL29), also known as ESKIMO 1 (ESK1). In Arabidopsis, ESK1 (AT3G55990) mediates 2-O- and 3-O-acetylation of xylosyl residues in xylan [ 1 ]. Its role is essential for the production of functional xylem vessels [ 2 , 3 ]. It functions as a negative regulator of cold acclimation, and mutations in the ESK1 gene provides strong freezing tolerance [ 3 ].

1. The Arabidopsis DUF231 domain-containing protein ESK1 mediates 2-O- and 3-O-acetylation of xylosyl residues in xylan. Plant Cell Physiol. 54, 1186-99
2. ESKIMO1 disruption in Arabidopsis alters vascular tissue and impairs water transport. PLoS ONE 6, e16645
3. Arabidopsis ESK1 encodes a novel regulator of freezing tolerance. Plant J. 49, 786-99