CAF — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C010042.2 (symbol CAF, also known as CmCAF, CmDCL3B, and CmASU1) on melon chromosome 3 encodes a protein with ribonuclease III, helicase, and DNA glycosylase activities, and contains Dicer dimerisation, PAZ, and dsRNA-binding domains. The gene is associated with small RNA processing, including long siRNA, trans-acting siRNA, and pre-miRNA processing, as well as gene silencing by miRNA. It is linked to the regulation of adaxial/abaxial pattern formation, seed maturation, meristem development, and embryonic pattern specification. Associations with agronomic traits include fruit sweetness and size, leaf morphology, stem length, viral disease response, heterosis, and abiotic stress response. The gene product localises to the nucleus, nucleolus, and cytoplasmic D-bodies. Related genes in other species are associated with antiviral defence, systemic silencing, and development.