IRX3 — Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary

AT5G17420 (IRX3, also known as CESA7) encodes a cellulose synthase catalytic subunit with UDP-forming activity, a key component of the secondary cell wall cellulose synthase complex. This Arabidopsis thaliana gene on chromosome 5 is associated with secondary cell wall development, xylem vessel development, and cell wall thickening. IRX3 has been linked to transpiration efficiency, stomatal pore width, and plant vigor traits. The gene product localizes to the secondary cell wall CESA complex, cortical microtubules, and the plasma membrane. Associations include regulation of abscisic acid anabolism, xylan anabolism, and tracheary element differentiation. IRX3 is associated with biomass yield, seed weight, stem length, lignin content, water use efficiency, drought tolerance, and osmotic stress tolerance. The gene also shows links to phosphate content, seed protein content, and responses to powdery mildew and insect damage.