STM — Cucumis sativus

Summary

CsSTM (CSA_4G377740) on cucumber chromosome 4 encodes a serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) with glycine hydroxymethyltransferase activity (EC 2.1.2.1), a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme. The gene is associated with carpel formation, floral whorl morphogenesis, sex determination, internode patterning, and maintenance of inflorescence meristem identity. It is linked to shoot apical meristem development, phyllotaxy, leaf shape, plant height, peduncle length, fruit growth, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, flowering time, and disease tolerance. Additional associations include oxidative stress response, zinc and herbicide sensitivity, root meristem development, and vascular tissue morphology. The encoded protein localizes to mitochondria, chloroplasts, and the apoplast, and is linked to photorespiration, tetrahydrofolate metabolism, and sulfur homeostasis. Related genes in other species are linked to drought and salt tolerance, basal immunity, and stomatal closure.