ALKBH9A — Triticum aestivum

Summary

TRAESCS7D02G075200 (TaALKBH9A) on chromosome 7D encodes an mRNA N(6)-methyladenine demethylase with an AlkB-like domain and oxoglutarate/iron-dependent dioxygenase domain. The gene product also exhibits N6-methyladenosine-containing RNA reader activity, mRNA binding, and protein binding. In bread wheat, TaALKBH9A is associated with abscisic acid response, mRNA breakdown, demethylation, and regulation of cell cycle processes. It localizes to P bodies, plasmodesmata, mitochondria, and the nucleus. The gene is linked to auxin signalling, seed development, and grain traits including grain number, grain weight, grain size, and yield. Associations also include panicle length, spike length, tiller number, plant height, days to heading and maturity, root length, IAA content, and wheat stripe rust disease response. Related genes in other species connect the family to viral susceptibility and resistance, antiviral immunity, and transposon mobilization.