Centromeres contain specialized nucleosomes at which histone H3 is partially replaced by the centromeric histone H3 variant cenH3 that is required for the assembly, maintenance, and proper function of kinetochores during mitotic and meiotic divisions. Previously, we identified a KINETOCHORE NULL 2 (KNL2) of Arabidopsis thaliana that is involved in the licensing of centromeres for the cenH3 recruitment. We also demonstrated that a knockout mutant for KNL2 shows mitotic and meiotic defects, slower development, reduced growth rate, and fertility. To analyze an effect of KNL2 mutation on global gene transcription of Arabidopsis, we performed RNA-sequencing experiments using seedling and flower bud tissues of knl2 and wild-type plants. The transcriptome data analysis revealed a high number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in knl2 plants. The set was enriched in genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, transcription, development, and DNA damage repair. In addition to comprehensive information regarding the effects of KNL2 mutation on the global gene expression, physiological changes in plants are also presented, which provides an integrated understanding of the critical role played by KNL2 in plant growth and development.

Institute of Experimental Botany Czech Acad Sci Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research Šlechtitelů 31 CZ 77900 Olomouc Czech Republic

Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research Gatersleben Corrensstrasse 3 D 06466 Seeland Germany

Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics CEITEC Masaryk University Brno CZ 62500 Czech Republic

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Chromatin, Epigenetics and Plant Physiology