PEST2 — Solanum tuberosum

Summary

PGSC0003DMG400009178, designated PEST2 on potato chromosome 3, encodes a protein with pectinesterase and pectinesterase inhibitor domains. The predicted protein contains both catalytic and inhibitor domains, consistent with annotated pectinesterase activity (EC 3.1.1.11) and pectinesterase inhibitor activity. PEST2 is associated with pectin metabolism and breakdown, cell wall modification and thickening, wound healing, cell adhesion, root hair cell development, and defence responses to Gram-negative bacteria and nematodes. The protein localises to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, cytosol, and stress granules. Associations with agronomic traits include root yield and mass density, amylose, lycopene, carotenoid and lignin content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal resistance, drought tolerance, plant height, stem elongation, germination rate, and leaf and flower development traits. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to pectin methylesterase activity, susceptibility to necrotrophic pathogens, and reduced cell wall pectin and photosynthetic capacity.