PNH — Zea mays

Summary

ZmPNH (ZM00001EB420020) on maize chromosome 10 encodes a Piwi domain-containing protein with RNA endonuclease activity and RNA binding. The gene is associated with meristem determinacy, leaf formation, trichome differentiation and spacing, female meiotic nuclear division, microgametogenesis, and floral organ abscission. It has been linked to grain yield, grain weight, grain length, seed size, ear weight, chlorophyll content, anthesis time, drought tolerance, rolled leaf, inflorescence branching, and lignin, proline, and abscisic acid sensitivity. The protein localises to the nucleolus, nucleus, and cytoplasm. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to small RNA-mediated regulation of development and stress responses.