Encodes a putative magnesium transporter that was identified through a forward genetic screen, directly isolating antiviral RNAi-defective (avi) mutant using a Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) mutant. Compared to Wildtype Col-0, avi2 mutant showed severe disease symptom after viral infection and viral accumulation was significantly increased while viral siRNAs and virus-activated endogenous siRNAs (vasiRNAs) were reduced in avi2 mutant. Detailed genetic study indicated that AVI2 modulated RNAi-mediated antiviral immunity by regulating the biogenesis of secondary viral siRNAs and vasiRNAs in Arabidopsis.
Acts as a Mg(2+) transporter. Can also transport other divalent cations such as Fe(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Mn(2+) and Co(2+) but to a much less extent than Mg(2+) (By similarity).