Two maize (Zea mays) genes, designated GRF1 and GRF2, have been isolated and characterized. The proteins encoded by these genes, called GF14 proteins, participate in protein/DNA complexes and show more than 60% identity with a highly conserved, widely distributed protein family, collectively referred to as 14-3-3 proteins. Members of the 14-3-3 protein family have been reported to activate Tyr and Trp hydroxylases, modulate protein kinase C activity, and activate ADP-ribosyltransferase. The mRNAs of the GRF genes are encoded by six exons interrupted by five introns. The transcriptional units of the GRF genes were found to be very similar, with complete conservation of the intron positions. In addition, the length and nucleotide sequences of the two genes' introns were highly conserved. The 5' flanking sequences of the two GRF genes were compared and regions of homology and divergence identified. This comparison revealed the presence of a conserved G-box element in the 5' flanking region of both genes. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays of maize protein extract with the GRF G-box indicates that GBF binds to this G-box site in the 5' up stream region of GRF. Antibody supershifts indicate that GF14 protein is associated with the G-box-binding complex that interacts with the GRF upstream region.