Function
                                        
                                        
                                            EARLI1 is a probable lipid transfer protein (LTP) that may enhance freezing survival.  Evidence suggests it plays a role in regulating flowering and lignin biosynthesis.  Furthermore, it contributes to germination and early seedling development under low temperature and salt stress conditions, possibly through an abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent mechanism.  EARLI1 confers resistance to *Botrytis cinerea* and exhibits antifungal activity against *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, *B. cinerea*, and *Fusarium oxysporum*, potentially by increasing membrane permeability.
                                        
                                     
                                                                    
                                        
                                            Gene References Into Functions
                                        
                                        
                                            
- Subcellular localization studies indicate EARLI1 is found in locations consistent with lipid exchange/movement (PMID: 26203923).
 
- In vivo expression of secreted EARLI1 in *S. cerevisiae* significantly inhibited yeast cell growth (PMID: 22759515).
 
- A proposed bimodular architecture for EARLI1 suggests its proline-rich domain interacts with the cell wall, while the 8CM domain interacts with the plasma membrane to protect cells during freezing stress (PMID: 17786468).
 
                                         
                                     
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                        
                                            Protein Families
                                        
                                        
                                            Plant LTP family, PEARLI1 subfamily
                                        
                                     
                                                                    
                                        
                                            Subcellular Location
                                        
                                        
                                            Secreted, cell wall.
                                        
                                     
                                                                    
                                        
                                            Tissue Specificity
                                        
                                        
                                            Mostly expressed in aerial part of seedlings, and, to a lower extent, in roots. Higher basal levels in early-flowering ecotypes.