ERD2 — Sorghum bicolor

Summary

SORBI_3008G136000 (SbERD2) on sorghum chromosome 8 encodes a member of the Hsp70 family of ATP-dependent protein folding chaperones, containing an HSP70 peptide-binding domain and ATPase domain. The gene is associated with diverse molecular functions including calcium-dependent phospholipid binding, DXP-synthase activity, and Hsp90 binding. It has been linked to biological processes such as protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum, RuBisCO assembly, mitochondrial protein import, and cellular responses to salicylate. Associations with agronomically relevant traits include grain filling period, biomass yield, photosynthetic ability, carotenoid content, and responses to abiotic stresses including temperature, salt, and chilling. The gene is also connected to pathogen defense responses, leaf necrosis, and plant growth traits. Related genes in other species link the family to salicylic acid signaling, spontaneous cell death, and broad-spectrum disease resistance.