CUC2 — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C019401.2, also known as CmCUC2, encodes a NAC domain-containing protein on melon chromosome 7. The protein possesses DNA binding, transcription coactivator activity, and protein homodimerization activity. In melon, CmCUC2 is associated with the formation of plant organ boundaries, meristem initiation, secondary shoot formation, pistil development, and regulation of seed dormancy and endosperm development. It is linked to numerous traits including leaflet and leaf margin morphology, fruit shape, seed set percent, shoot system elongation, plant male sterility, and sensitivity to gibberellic acid and cytokinin. The gene is also connected to adventitious shoot formation, shoot regeneration, ovule development, and leaf margin shape. Related genes in other species link the family to cotyledon separation, embryonic shoot meristem formation, leaf margin dissection, and drought tolerance.