PIP1 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmPIP1 (ZM00001EB096620) on maize chromosome 2 encodes an aquaporin family protein with the MIP domain. The gene product exhibits multiple molecular functions including phospholipase D activity, peptide binding and receptor activity, kinase activity, and heme binding. ZmPIP1 is associated with diverse biological processes such as C4 photosynthesis, carbon dioxide transport, stomatal opening, circadian regulation of gene expression, nitrate import, and hydrogen peroxide membrane transport. It localizes to the plasma membrane, chloroplast envelope, plant-type cell wall, and vacuole. The gene has been linked to agronomically important traits including root moisture content, leaf water potential, water use efficiency, aluminum tolerance, salt response, drought stress tolerance, bacterial and downy mildew disease responses, and grain oleic acid content. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to water transport, drought and salt stress responses, and arsenic tolerance.