ARA8 — Cicer arietinum

Summary

CaARA8 (LOC101494765) on chickpea chromosome 3 encodes a phytochelatin synthase family protein with domains including Phytochelatin_synthase_C and PCS_N, and exhibits glutathione gamma-glutamylcysteinyltransferase activity, ABC-type phytochelatin transporter activity, and arsenite transporting ATPase activity, along with cadmium, copper, and metal ion binding. The gene is associated with phytochelatin anabolism, cellular detoxification of cadmium and copper ions, arsenite transport, response to arsenic and cadmium, defense response by callose deposition, defence against bacteria, pigmentation, and indole glucosinolate breakdown. It is linked to photosynthetic rate and protein content traits, as well as phenotypes including chromium tolerance, osmotic stress tolerance, immune signaling, and arsenic translocation. The protein localises to the plastid, cytosol, and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to heavy metal detoxification, cadmium and arsenic tolerance, salt tolerance, pathogen resistance, and seed germination.