CRA1 — Brassica napus

Summary

BnCRA1 (CRA1) on chromosome A06 encodes a seed storage protein of the 11S globulin (cruciferin) family, possessing nutrient reservoir activity and binding properties for IgG, IgE, and other proteins. In oilseed rape, this gene is associated with seed protein content, oleic acid content, seed weight, seed viability, and seed maturation, as well as with protein storage, protein homotrimerization and hexamerization, nitrogen homeostasis, and pollen-stigma interaction. It has also been linked to carotene and riboflavin anabolism, fatty acid and lipid oxidation, the MEP pathway, aerobic respiration, and cell communication. The encoded protein localizes to the rough endoplasmic reticulum, extraorganismal space, and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to seed longevity, dormancy, size, amino acid content, and responses to drought, salt, and oxidative stress.