WUS — Brassica napus

Summary

BnWUS (WUS) on chromosome C07 encodes a WUSCHEL-like homeodomain protein that binds DNA, RNA and protein. In Brassica napus, it is associated with shoot apical meristem maintenance, stem cell population maintenance, axillary shoot meristem initiation, and regulation of shoot development. The gene is also linked to anther and stomium development, auxin transport and biosynthesis, root hair tip growth, seed germination, circadian rhythm, and glutathione metabolism. It localises to the nucleus, nucleolus and plant-type cell wall. Associations include floral organ size, leaf morphology, flowering time, plant stress response, root and shoot meristem development, and embryo development traits. Studies of related genes in other species link the WUSCHEL family to shoot meristem regulation, stem cell identity, somatic embryogenesis, and shoot regeneration efficiency.