Encodes ESK1 (Eskimo1). A member of a large gene family of DUF231 domain proteins whose members encode a total of 45 proteins of unknown function. ESK1 functions as a negative regulator of cold acclimation. Mutations in the ESK1 gene provides strong freezing tolerance. A member of the TBL (TRICHOME BIREFRINGENCE-LIKE) gene family containing a plant-specific DUF231 (domain of unknown function) domain. TBL gene family has 46 members, two of which (TBR/AT5G06700 and TBL3/AT5G01360) have been shown to be involved in the synthesis and deposition of secondary wall cellulose, presumably by influencing the esterification state of pectic polymers. A nomenclature for this gene family has been proposed (Volker Bischoff & Wolf Scheible, 2010, personal communication).
