CUM1 — Lactuca sativa

Summary

LsCUM1 (LSAT_V11C700353240) on chromosome 7 of garden lettuce encodes a protein with RNA m7G cap binding, RNA cap binding, linoleate 13S-lipoxygenase activity, salicylic acid binding, translation initiation factor activity, RNA binding, mRNA binding, and protein binding, belonging to the eIF4E family. The gene is associated with responses to viruses, fungi, bacteria, herbivores, wounding, and jasmonic acid, as well as with lipid oxidation, green leaf volatile biosynthesis, photoperiodic flowering, and regulation of defense responses. It has been linked to traits including aphid response, stem and leaf senescence, UV-B light sensitivity, root hair length, root thickness, stomatal complex closure time, disease tolerance, and plant growth and development. The encoded protein localizes to the cytosol, plastids, stress granules, and P-bodies. Studies of related genes in other species connect the eIF4E family to virus resistance, translation initiation, and stress tolerance.