PNH — Zea mays

Summary

ZmPNH (ZM00001EB428910) on maize chromosome 10 encodes an Argonaute1b protein, a member of the Argonaute family characterized by Piwi, PAZ, and RNaseH-like domains, and possesses RNA endonuclease activity and RNA binding. This gene is associated with diverse biological processes including leaf formation, meristem determinacy, trichome differentiation, female meiotic nuclear division, microgametogenesis, and floral organ abscission. It has been linked to agronomically important traits such as grain yield, grain weight, grain length, grain size, seed size, ear weight, rolled leaf, chlorophyll content, drought tolerance, anthesis time, and abscisic acid sensitivity. The protein localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, and nucleolus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to small RNA-mediated gene regulation and developmental processes.