H4 — Zea mays

Summary

ZmH4 (ZM00001EB336310) on maize chromosome 8 encodes a core histone H4 protein that is a structural constituent of chromatin, with DNA binding and protein heterodimerization activities. The gene is associated with chromatin decompaction, DNA replication licensing, mitosis, and interphase, as well as diverse metabolic processes including sucrose breakdown, fermentation, the TCA cycle, jasmonic acid and anthocyanin anabolism, lipolysis, demethylation, and the MAPK cascade. It localizes to the nucleus. ZmH4 has been linked to several agronomically important traits, including grain yield, plant height, anthesis time, pollen fertility, heterosis, shoot fresh weight, protein content, and tolerance to salinity and heat. Studies of related genes in other species further link the family to chromatin organization and cell cycle regulation.