MEO — Nicotiana attenuata

Summary

A4A49_34460 (MEO, also known as ASK11) in Nicotiana attenuata encodes a SKP1-like protein containing Skp1 component dimerisation and POZ domains. The gene is associated with diverse molecular functions including MAPK phosphatase activity, cullin family protein binding, auxin receptor activity, and blue light photoreceptor activity. It has been linked to numerous biological processes such as SCF complex assembly, regulation of gibberellic acid-mediated signalling, acropetal auxin transport, and negative regulation of cytokinin signalling. Associations with agronomically relevant traits include bacterial blight disease resistance, submergence tolerance, plant male sterility, seedling vigor, photoperiod-sensitive flowering time, and seed oil content. The gene is also associated with drought tolerance, heat and cold stress tolerance, and leaf serration development. Studies of related genes in other species link the SKP1 family to immunity, floral organ development, jasmonate perception, and defence against necrotrophic pathogens.