PAL — Capsicum annuum

Summary

CaPAL (T459_25758) on pepper chromosome 10 encodes a phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.24), an enzyme with ammonia-lyase and protein dimerization activities. It belongs to the Phe_NH3-lyase and aromatic lyase families. The gene is associated with phenylpropanoid metabolism, including cinnamic acid and salicylic acid biosynthesis, lignin breakdown, and regulation of anthocyanin and cytokinin signalling. It has been linked to traits such as pungency, anthocyanin content, photosynthetic rate, sugar and nitrate content, root fresh weight, and UV light sensitivity. Phenotypic associations include disease resistance, wound and pathogen responses, chilling and salt stress tolerance, and resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to drought tolerance, heat tolerance, fruit shelf life, and herbivore defense.