RDR2 — Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Summary

BoRDR2, encoded by gene BOLND125_C09P037550.1 on cauliflower chromosome 9, is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) that also exhibits DNA/RNA hybrid binding, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler activity, and single-stranded RNA binding. It localises to the nucleus, nucleolus, RNA Polymerase IV complex, and the RDRC complex. The gene is associated with siRNA transcription and processing, RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), DNA methylation-dependent heterochromatin assembly, and maintenance of shoot apical meristem identity. It has been linked to defence response to fungi, seed viability, disease tolerance, root morphology, antiviral defence, transposon suppression, and small RNA production. Associations also include triploid block suppression, elongated curled leaves, accelerated vegetative phase change, reduced 24nt-siRNA levels, altered DNA methylation, late flowering in short days, defective root hair elongation, seed size, and heat stress response.