CENH3 — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_025246, the carrot CENH3 gene on chromosome 7, encodes a centromeric histone H3 variant (CENP-A family) that is a structural constituent of chromatin with DNA, histone, and chromatin binding activities, as well as ubiquitin-protein transferase activity. The gene is associated with regulation of chromosome segregation, kinetochore assembly, meiotic chromosome separation, centromeric silencing, and CENP-A containing chromatin assembly. It is linked to centromere localization, centromere formation, genome elimination, haploid induction, clonal reproduction, and fertility. Associations with root thickness, relative root length, and flowering time have been noted. The encoded protein localizes to the kinetochore, centromere complex, chromocenter, nucleolus, plastid, and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the CENH3 family to centromere identity, haploid production, uniparental genome elimination, meiotic genome stability, and flowering time.