The Arabidopsis PHD-finger protein SHL is required for proper development and fertility

The SHL gene from Arabidopsis thaliana encodes a small nuclear protein that contains a BAH domain and a PHD finger. Both domains are found in numerous (putative) transcriptional regulators and chromatin-remodeling factors. Di fferent sets of transgenic lines were established to analyze the physiologi cal relevance of SHL, SHL expression driven by the CaMV 35S promoter result s in reduced growth, early flowering, early senescence, and impaired flower and seed formation. Antisense inhibition of SHL expression gives rise to d warfism and delayed development. In-frame N-terminal fusion of the SHL prot ein to beta -glucuronidase (GUS) directs GUS to the nucleus of stably trans formed Arabidopsis plants. Thus, SHL encodes a novel putative regulator of gene expression, which directly or indirectly influences a broad range of d evelopmental processes.