IRO2 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

OsIRO2 (Os01g0952800) encodes a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor that binds DNA in a sequence-specific manner and regulates transcription by RNA polymerase II. In rice, IRO2 is associated with iron homeostasis, including seed iron concentration, as well as responses to iron ion starvation and nitric oxide. The gene is linked to saline-alkaline stress tolerance, cadmium and arsenic responses, ethylene-mediated signaling, and traits such as grain yield, plant height, seedling height, leaf chlorosis, chlorophyll content, and disease tolerance. IRO2 localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm and is associated with siderophore anabolism, iron transport regulation, and seed maturation. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to iron deficiency responses, zinc and nickel tolerance, and root morphology.