LAC4 — Cicer arietinum

Summary

CaLAC4 (LOC101494616) on chickpea chromosome 6 encodes a laccase, a copper-containing oxidase with p-diphenol:oxygen oxidoreductase activity, copper binding, and redox activity. The gene is associated with lignin anabolism and breakdown, secondary cell wall biogenesis, posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression, pollen germination and tube growth, lateral root formation, and response to thirst. The product localises to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, and extracellular space. CaLAC4 has been linked to cadmium tolerance, saccharification yield, plant height, lignin biosynthesis and deposition, fiber development, and seed yield. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to defense response, herbivore defense, xylem transport, lignin polymerization, and the syringyl/guaiacyl lignin unit ratio.