PSY — Nicotiana attenuata

Summary

A4A49_39542 (PSY1) in coyote tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) encodes a protein with phytoene synthase, squalene synthase, dimethylallyltransferase, and farnesyltranstransferase activities (EC 2.5.1.32). This gene is associated with carotenoid and isoprenoid anabolism, monoterpene biosynthesis, pigmentation, chromoplast and chloroplast organization, de-etiolation, leaf senescence, osmotic response, protein stabilization, virus-induced PTGS, and response to light stimulus. The encoded protein localizes to plastids, chloroplast membranes, etioplasts, chromoplast stroma, mitochondria, cytosol, and nucleus. PSY1 is linked to fruit carotenoid content and color, fruit ripening, abscisic acid synthesis, cell elongation, chloroplast development, photosynthesis, embryo development, and flowering time. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to grain width, carotenoid and lutein content, root and flower color, fruit quality, and stress tolerance.