RAMOSA1 ENHANCER LOCUS 2 (REL2) (REL2)

RAMOSA1 ENHANCER LOCUS 2 (REL2) is a member of the TOPLESS (TPL) family of transcriptional corepressors in maize (Zea mays) [3, 24]. It is a Groucho/Tup1-type corepressor that plays a critical role in maintaining meristem development and regulating plant architecture [4, 9]. REL2 functions by interacting with EAR (Ethylene-responsive element binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression) motif-containing transcription factors to recruit histone deacetylases (HDACs) and other chromatin modifiers, leading to the repression of target genes involved in hormone signaling and differentiation [7, 12]. In agriculture, REL2 is a target for increasing crop yield, as mutations or variations in its activity can lead to increased kernel row numbers [3, 23]. Additionally, it is a central hub for plant-pathogen interactions, where fungal effectors, such as those from Ustilago maydis, mimic host repressors to recruit REL2 and disrupt the plant's immune response [2, 34].

Other names

ZmTPLZmTPL2TOPLESS-related proteinMaize TOPLESS corepressor

Acts as a molecular bridge between EAR motif-containing transcription factors and histone deacetylases (HDACs) or Mediator subunits to silence gene expression; nucleates the assembly of the preinitiation complex to facilitate rapid transcriptional activation upon derepression [3, 10, 14].