ZIP — Brassica juncea

Summary

BjZIP (BJUB05G08550S) on Indian mustard chromosome B05 encodes an Argonaute-family protein with RNA endonuclease activity and RNA binding, containing Piwi, PAZ and Argonaute N domains. The gene is associated with gene silencing by miRNA, ta-siRNA processing, posttranscriptional gene silencing, antiviral response, and regulation of development including vegetative phase change, stem cell maintenance, and shoot apical meristem identity. It is linked to meiotic divisions in both sexes, micro- and megagametogenesis, and cellular response to virus. Localisation evidence links the product to the nucleus, nucleolus, cytoplasm and NOR. Associations with root length, leaf morphology, leaf polarity, auxin signalling, and juvenile-to-adult transition have been reported. Related genes in other species are linked to TAS3 ta-siRNA biogenesis, miR390 binding, developmental timing and antiviral defence.