NCED1 — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_017563, the carrot NCED1 gene on chromosome 5, encodes a 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (EC 1.13.11.51) with a carotenoid oxygenase domain and metal-binding activity. This enzyme is associated with abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and homeostasis, as well as carotenoid, beta-carotene, lycopene, and xanthophyll metabolism. The gene is linked to carotene content, carotenoid content, and root color traits. It is associated with responses to ABA, auxin, gibberellin, salicylate, thirst, and salinity, and with fruit ripening, anther and pollen development, and ABA signaling. The protein localizes to the chloroplast thylakoid membrane and stroma. Studies of related genes in other species link the NCED1 family to drought tolerance, tuber dormancy, and resistance to late blight, as well as traits such as leaf relative water content, root number, fruit firmness, and plant height.