CAF — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_001243 (DcCAF) on carrot chromosome 1 encodes a protein with domains characteristic of a Dicer-like ribonuclease III, including PAZ, dsRBD, and DEAD/DEAH-box helicase domains, and exhibits ribonuclease III, helicase, dsRNA binding, and miRNA binding activities. The gene is associated with small RNA processing pathways, including long siRNA, pre-miRNA, and ta-siRNA processing, as well as gene silencing by miRNA-directed mRNA cleavage, regulation of adaxial/abaxial pattern formation, seed maturation, and embryonic pattern specification. In carrot, DcCAF has been linked to soluble sugar content. Broader associations connect the gene to leaf and floral morphology, viral disease response, herbicide sensitivity, root development, and stress tolerance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to antiviral defense, systemic RNA interference, and resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.