OZS2 — Cicer arietinum

Summary

LOC101489689 (OZS2, also known as pme1) encodes a pectinesterase with both pectinesterase and pectinesterase inhibitor activity, containing a pectinesterase catalytic domain and an inhibitor domain. The gene is associated with cell wall modification, pectin breakdown, fruit ripening, dehiscence, root hair cell development, callus formation, and regulation of unidimensional cell growth. It is linked to defence responses against Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and nematodes, as well as responses to zinc and bacteria. Associations with flower abortion, seed dormancy, germination timing, adventitious rooting, root length, root hair production, and susceptibility to Heterodera schachtii and parasitic plant infection have been reported. The protein localises to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, and extracellular space. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to pectin methylesterase activity, hypocotyl elongation, adventitious root formation, and susceptibility to necrotrophic pathogens.