Encodes a gene similar to actin-related proteins in other organisms. Member of nuclear ARP family of genes. Component of chromatin remodeling complexes, involved in chromatin-mediated gene regulation. Phenotype of the arp4-1 mutant allele revealed partial sterility due to defects in anther development. Targeting the distinct, 3’ UTR of AtARP4 transcripts with RNA interference caused a drastic reduction in the level of AtARP4 protein expression, and resulted in strong pleiotropic phenotypes such as altered organization of plant organs, early flowering, delayed flower senescence and high levels of sterility. Western blot analysis and immunolabelling demonstrated a clear correlation between reductions in the level of AtARP4 expression and severity of the phenotypes.
