H3.3 — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB146770 (H3.3, also known as ZmCENH3) on maize chromosome 3 encodes a histone H3/CENP-A family protein with structural constituent of chromatin activity and multiple annotated methylase, acetylase, and DNA-binding functions. The gene is associated with centromere complex localization and extensive meiotic processes including kinetochore assembly, spindle checkpoint, sister chromatid cohesion, and meiotic chromosome separation, as well as centromeric silencing and gene conversion. Associations with agronomic traits include leaf trichome density, bacterial and aphid disease response, nitrogen sensitivity, cytoplasmic male sterility, pollen fertility restoration, inflorescence and flower development, high temperature stress response, and auxin and jasmonic acid content. The gene is also linked to shoot regeneration, callus induction, and epigenetic processes including histone methylation and DNA methylation maintenance. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to male and female germline development, centromere identity, haploid production, and uniparental genome elimination.