PAL — Sorghum bicolor

Summary

SORBI_3004G220300, designated SbPAL on sorghum chromosome 4, encodes a phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.24) with additional tyrosine ammonia-lyase and DNA-binding transcription factor activities. The enzyme is associated with phenylpropanoid metabolism, catalysing the first committed step in the biosynthesis of lignin, salicylic acid and suberin. SbPAL is associated with responses to UV-B, low humidity, drought recovery, and actidione, as well as with the breakdown of salicylic acid and L-phenylalanine, cinnamic acid anabolism, and regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism. The gene has been linked to photosynthetic rate, IAA content, and UV light sensitivity. It localises to the cytosol, cytoplasm, nucleus and SCF complex. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to disease resistance, lignin deposition, flavonoid and anthocyanin accumulation, and tolerance to salt, freezing and UV stress.