HMS — Nicotiana attenuata

Summary

A4A49_07270 (HMS) in Nicotiana attenuata on chromosome 10 encodes a pectinesterase (EC 3.1.1.11) with both pectinesterase and pectinesterase inhibitor domains, and also exhibits mRNA and protein binding activities. The gene is associated with pectin breakdown, cell wall modification, demethylation, and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as defence responses to bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. It is linked to root hair cell development, regulation of unidimensional cell growth, callus formation, fruit ripening, and downregulation of seed germination. Localisation evidence places the product in the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, stress granules, and cytosol. Associations with agronomic traits include photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, germination rate, root length and mass density, turgor pressure, and flower development. Related genes in other species are linked to cell wall development, susceptibility to necrotrophic pathogens, and adventitious root formation.