AFO — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C010330.2, also known as CmAFO, encodes a YABBY family transcription factor containing a YABBY_C domain and an HMG-box domain superfamily, localised to the nucleus and possessing DNA-binding and transcription regulatory activity. In melon, this gene is associated with the specification of floral organ identity and number, carpel and style development, fruit morphogenesis, anther development, and the regulation of leaf and shoot apical meristem development. It is linked to the specification of organ position, adaxial/abaxial axis polarity, and meristem determinacy. Associations with fruit size, leaf morphology, flowering time, and pollen fertility restoration have been noted. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to leaf polarity, inflorescence architecture, fruit ripening, and stress tolerance, including drought and disease resistance.