HY5 — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C003686.2, designated CmHY5 (also known as CmTED-5), encodes a bZIP transcription factor of the Hac1/HY5 family on melon chromosome 5. The product possesses DNA-binding transcription activator activity, phytochrome binding, and photoreceptor activities for red and far-red light. In melon, CmHY5 is associated with the upregulation of photosynthesis and lateral root development, regulation of phytochrome signaling, cellular water homeostasis, and sucrose-mediated signaling. It is linked to numerous agronomic traits including fruit quality, grain yield, total soluble sugar content, leaf area, vegetative vigor, seed coat hardness, osmotic adjustment capacity, and responses to UV-A, blue, and far-red light. The gene is also connected to lycopene content, starch degradation, fungal tolerance, and mycorrhizal symbiosis. Related genes in other species link the HY5 family to light signaling, carotenoid biosynthesis, cold tolerance, and grain yield.