CUC2 — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C025611.2, also known as CmCUC2, encodes a NAC domain-containing transcription factor with DNA-binding and transcription coactivator activity. In melon, this gene is associated with the regulation of plant organ formation, meristem initiation, and organ boundary specification between lateral organs and the meristem. It has been linked to abscisic acid homeostasis, secondary shoot formation, and endosperm development. Associations with numerous agronomic traits include leaf morphology, fruit shape, seed set and yield, plant size, shoot branching, flower development, male sterility, and pollen fertility. The gene is also associated with shoot regeneration and ovule development. Studies of related genes in other species link the CUC family to cotyledon separation, leaf margin dissection, and embryonic shoot meristem formation.