PNH — Zea mays

Summary

ZmPNH (ZM00001EB329640) on maize chromosome 7 encodes a protein with RNA endonuclease activity and nucleic acid binding, containing Piwi and RNaseH-like domains. It is associated with diverse biological processes including meristem determinacy, leaf formation, trichome spacing, female meiotic nuclear division, microgametogenesis, floral organ abscission, dehiscence, cellular response to virus, demethylation, protein processing, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and regulation of cellular localization. The gene has been connected to agronomically important traits such as grain yield, grain weight, grain length, grain size, ear weight, seed size, anthesis time, rolled leaf, inflorescence branching, chlorophyll content, lignin content, proline content, drought tolerance, and acid sensitivity. The protein localizes to the nucleus, nucleolus, cytoplasm, and nucleolar organizing region. Related genes in other species link the family to small RNA-mediated gene regulation.