SPS — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C012007.2 (CmSPS) on melon chromosome 11 encodes a protein with spermidine synthase and spermine synthase activities, and contains spermidine synthase and SAM-dependent methyltransferase superfamily domains. The gene is associated with polyamine, spermidine, and spermine anabolism, as well as sucrose and starch metabolism, chlorophyll anabolism, and glutathione metabolism. It is linked to fruit development and ripening, defence response to bacteria, and chlorophyll fluorescence. Associations with agronomically important traits include fruit weight and size, sugar and sucrose content, net photosynthetic rate, plant height, stem diameter, chilling and high temperature stress responses, and disease tolerance. The gene product localises to the cytosol, nucleus, mitochondria, and plasma membrane. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to fruit sweetness, starch content, and saline-alkali tolerance.