CHS — Cicer arietinum

Summary

LOC105852659 (CaCHS) on chickpea chromosome 8 encodes a chalcone synthase, a type-III polyketide synthase with chalcone/stilbene synthase domains. The enzyme exhibits naringenin-chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, dihydroflavanol 4-reductase, flavanone 4-reductase, flavonol synthase, and SUMO transferase activities. CaCHS is associated with flavonoid, anthocyanin, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, as well as phytoalexin production, auxin polar transport, response to UV and gravity, nitrogen fixation, and sporulation. The protein localizes to the cytosol, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and tonoplast. The gene has been linked to seed coat color and pigmentation, anthocyanin content, drought and salt stress tolerance, root-knot nematode resistance, flowering time, amylose and fructose content, stomatal opening, and oxidative stress response. Studies of related genes in other species connect the chalcone synthase family to flavonol and glucosinolate biosynthesis, UV-B sensitivity, male fertility, freezing tolerance, and defense responses.