ARA8 — Medicago truncatula

Summary

MTR_7G097190, designated MtARA8, encodes a phytochelatin synthase family protein with domains including Phytochelatin_synthase_C and PCS_N, and exhibits glutathione gamma-glutamylcysteinyltransferase activity, ABC-type phytochelatin transporter activity, and arsenite transporting ATPase activity. The gene is associated with phytochelatin anabolism, cellular detoxification of cadmium and copper ions, arsenite transport, response to arsenic and cadmium, defence response to bacteria, callose deposition, lignin anabolism, and indole glucosinolate breakdown. It has been linked to photosynthetic rate, oxidative stress response, chromium tolerance, immune signaling, osmotic stress tolerance, and arsenic translocation. The protein localises to the plastid, cytosol, and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to heavy metal detoxification, cadmium and arsenic tolerance, pathogen resistance, callose deposition, salt tolerance, and seed germination.