PNH — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB395030, designated PNH (ZmPNH), encodes a Piwi domain-containing protein with RNA endonuclease activity and RNA binding capacity, localizing to the nucleus, nucleolus, cytoplasm and NOR. In maize, this gene is associated with diverse biological processes including leaf formation and abscission, floral organ abscission, meristem determinacy, trichome spacing, female meiotic nuclear division, microgametogenesis, dehiscence, oviposition, cellular response to virus, protein processing, demethylation, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and hormone and nutrient responses. It is linked to agronomically important traits such as grain yield, grain weight, grain length and size, ear weight, seed size, chlorophyll content, rolled leaf, inflorescence branching, anthesis time, drought tolerance, acid and abscisic acid sensitivity, proline and lignin content. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to AGO18 and other Argonaute proteins.