ZF1 — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C016809.2 (CmZF1) on melon chromosome 8 encodes a C2H2-type zinc-finger protein of the AZF1/2/3-like family with histone H3K4 methylase activity, DNA-binding and protein-binding functions. The gene is associated with regulation of root development, root meristem size, stomatal complex patterning and closure, and responses to freezing, hyperosmotic salinity, and L-glutamate. It is linked to galactose metabolism, triterpenoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, phosphate homeostasis, and jasmonic acid-mediated systemic resistance. Associations with agronomic traits include fruit size, seed coat morphology, adventitious and lateral root number and length, phosphorus uptake, anthocyanin content, and responses to UV-B, ethylene, jasmonic acid, and osmotic stress. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to anthocyanin and flavonoid biosynthesis, freezing and salt stress tolerance, and resistance to Botrytis cinerea.