Histone methyltransferase family member that plays a role in gene silencing (PubMed:19043555, PubMed:24463519, PubMed:27171427). Together with MORC6 and SUVH2, regulates the silencing of some transposable elements (TEs) (PubMed:27171427). According to PubMed:19043555, the protein does not bind S-adenosyl-L-methionine and lacks methyltransferase activity. Instead, it may function downstream of DRM2 in RNA-directed DNA methylation, binding to methylated DNA and recruiting DNA-directed RNA polymerase V to chromatin (PubMed:24463519, PubMed:27171427). Component of an RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) complex that contains at least MORC6, MORC1/CRT1, MORC2, SWI3D and SUVH9. Interacts directly with MORC6, MORC2 and MORC1/CRT1. Interacts with SWI3B, SWI3C and SWI3D (PubMed:27171427). Associates with centromeric constitutive heterochromatin. Although both SET and pre-SET domains are present, the absence of the post-SET domain may explain the lack of methyltransferase activity. Besides, the Cys residues in the SET domain that normally bind a zinc ion are not conserved. In the pre-SET domain, Cys residues bind 3 zinc ions that are arranged in a triangular cluster; some of these Cys residues contribute to the binding of two zinc ions within the cluster. Impaired gene silencing due to decondensation of chromocenters leading to the derepression of DNA-methylated genes and transposable elements (TEs). Belongs to the class V-like SAM-binding methyltransferase superfamily. Histone-lysine methyltransferase family. Suvar3-9 subfamily.