IRX1 — Brachypodium distachyon

Summary

BdIRX1 (BRADI_2G49912V3) on chromosome 2 of Brachypodium distachyon encodes a cellulose synthase (UDP-forming) enzyme (EC 2.4.1.12) with cellulose synthase, cellulase, transglycosidase, and protein homodimerization activities, belonging to the cellulose synthase and nucleotide-diphosphosugar transferase families. The gene is associated with secondary cell wall biogenesis, cell wall thickening, cellulose and lignin anabolism, cortical microtubule organization, multidimensional cell growth, and hyperosmotic salinity response. It localizes to the CESA complex, plasma membrane, cell plate, Golgi, endosomes, and plasmodesmata. Associations include plant vigor, stem length, biomass yield, seed protein content, root thickness, disease tolerance, herbicide sensitivity, and wheat powdery mildew response. Related genes in other species are linked to secondary wall thickening, osmotic stress tolerance, and cotton fiber deposition.