DCL2 — Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15

Summary

MGG_12357 (DCL2) on chromosome 2 of Magnaporthe oryzae 70-15 encodes a Dicer-like protein containing RNase III, dsRNA-binding, and DEAD/DEAH-box helicase domains, with ribonuclease III, helicase, RNA-binding, ATP-binding, and metal-binding activities. DCL2 is associated with siRNA processing, siRNA-mediated post-transcriptional gene silencing, and antiviral responses, including regulation of antiviral response and response to virus. It is also linked to transposition and retrotransposition. The protein localises to both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Related genes in other species, such as Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum pathovars, connect the family to small RNA-mediated gene regulation and defence against viruses.