USP — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C008467.2 (CmUSP) on melon chromosome 4 encodes a UDP-sugar pyrophosphorylase with glucuronate-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, UTP:galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, UTP:arabinose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, UTP:xylose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, UDP-monosaccharide diphosphorylase, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine diphosphorylase, and UTP:glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase activities. This gene is associated with UDP-glucuronate, UDP-galactose, UDP-glucose, UDP-L-arabinose, and nucleotide-sugar metabolism, as well as galactose and sucrose metabolism, protein processing, phloem transport, fruit ripening, pollen development, and signal transduction. It is linked to sucrose and sugar content, and to circadian rhythm. The encoded protein localises to the cytosol and pollen tube. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to starch and protein content, drought tolerance, and complete male sterility.