ARA8 — Brassica juncea

Summary

BJUA06G01500S (symbol ARA8, also known as BjPCS1 and BjCAD1) on chromosome A06 of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) encodes a phytochelatin synthase, a papain-like cysteine peptidase superfamily member with a phytochelatin synthase C-terminal domain. The enzyme possesses glutathione gamma-glutamylcysteinyltransferase activity, binds cadmium, copper and other metals, and is annotated to arsenite-transporting ATPase and ABC-type phytochelatin transporter activities. The gene is associated with phytochelatin anabolism, cellular detoxification of cadmium ion, detoxification of copper ion, arsenite transport, indole glucosinolate breakdown, defence response to bacteria, defense response by callose deposition in cell wall, and stress responses. It localises to the plastid and cytosol. Associations with auxin content, immune signaling, osmotic stress tolerance, and arsenic translocation have been reported. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to heavy metal tolerance, arsenic accumulation and detoxification, pathogen resistance, and stem lignification.