BIP — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

Os02g0115900, designated BIP (BiP) in rice, encodes a member of the Hsp70 family of ATP-dependent protein folding chaperones, containing a nucleotide-binding domain and a peptide-binding domain. The gene is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone complex and ER lumen, and has been connected to the cellular response to unfolded protein, protein storage, and membrane organization. BIP is linked to numerous agronomically important traits, including grain shape, grain width and length, amylose and starch content, endosperm storage protein content, panicle length, root and shoot fresh and dry weight, leaf water potential, and responses to high temperature, osmotic, salt, and abiotic stress. It is also associated with male fertility, thermotolerance, seed storage protein accumulation, root hair elongation, and cell growth and development.