PNH — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB325450, designated PNH (ZmPNH), encodes a Piwi domain-containing protein with RNA endonuclease activity and nucleic acid binding. This maize gene on chromosome 7 is associated with diverse biological processes including meristem determinacy, leaf formation, floral organ abscission, female meiotic nuclear division, microgametogenesis, trichome spacing, and cellular response to virus. It has been linked to agronomically important traits such as grain yield, grain weight, grain length, grain size, ear weight, seed size, rolled leaf, inflorescence branching, anthesis time, chlorophyll content, lignin content, proline content, drought tolerance, and sensitivity to abscisic acid and acid. The protein localizes to the nucleus, nucleolus, NOR, and cytoplasm. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to small RNA-mediated regulation.