The present invention relates to a nitrogen-regulated RING-like ubiquitin
E3 ligase gene required for sugar sensing and the modulation of the
expression of this gene to modulate a characteristic in a plant. The
RING-like ubiquitin E3 ligase of the present invention is involved in
mediating nitrogen limitation adaptive responses in plants and its
expression is influenced by nitrogen status. Increased expression of this
or substantially similar genes can produce plants with improved nitrogen
utilization and increased yield.