InterPro domain: IPR038928

The LAZY1 family contains plant-specific proteins involved in gravitropism by regulation of auxin flow [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The direction of gravity is perceived by plants mainly by gravity-sensing cells (statocytes), which detect the sedimentation of starch-accumulating high-density amyloplasts. This results in a chemical signal that is transmitted to responding tissues (auxin transport), where the signal induces the differential growth of the lower and upper surfaces of gravity-responsive organs.

1. Identification of the gravitropism-related rice gene LAZY1 and elucidation of LAZY1-dependent and -independent gravity signaling pathways. Plant Cell Physiol. 48, 678-88
2. LAZY1 controls rice shoot gravitropism through regulating polar auxin transport. Cell Res. 17, 402-10
3. AtLAZY1 is a signaling component required for gravitropism of the Arabidopsis thaliana inflorescence. Plant J. 74, 267-79
4. Maize LAZY1 mediates shoot gravitropism and inflorescence development through regulating auxin transport, auxin signaling, and light response. Plant Physiol. 163, 1306-22
5. The Arabidopsis LAZY1 Family Plays a Key Role in Gravity Signaling within Statocytes and in Branch Angle Control of Roots and Shoots. Plant Cell 29, 1984-1999