CAD1 — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C025217.2 (CmCAD1) on melon chromosome 9 encodes a MACPF domain-containing protein of the CAD1/NSL1-like family. The gene is associated with defense response, including callose deposition, immune response, and programmed cell death (HR-PCD). It is linked to regulation of salicylic acid metabolism, water transport, lignin anabolism, and responses to sorbitol, salinity, and fungi. CmCAD1 has been connected to flower and root development, dedifferentiation, and traits such as lignin content, drought tolerance, and heavy metal (cadmium, zinc, arsenic) tolerance. Phenotypic associations include dwarfism with necrotic leaf lesions, chlorosis, accelerated senescence, sterility, altered phyllosphere microbiota composition, and immunity to Pseudomonas syringae. The protein localizes to the extracellular region, plasma membrane, and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the MACP2 family to pathogen resistance and osmotic tolerance.