PME39 — Cicer arietinum

Summary

CaPME39 (PME39, LOC101490578) on chickpea chromosome 3 encodes a protein with pectinesterase activity and pectinesterase inhibitor activity, and contains catalytic and inhibitor domains. The gene is associated with cell wall modification, pectin breakdown, and ethylene anabolism, as well as root hair initiation, epidermal cell differentiation, and root morphogenesis. It is linked to fruit ripening, defense responses including response to Gram-negative bacteria, and signal transduction. CaPME39 is associated with salinity response and salt tolerance, and with root number and lateral root number traits. The encoded protein localises to the extracellular region. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to photochemical quenching.