PME5 — Triticum aestivum

Summary

TRAESCS1A02G341800 (symbol PME5, also known as PME53 or TaPME5-1A) on wheat chromosome 1A encodes a pectinesterase (EC 3.1.1.11) with pectinesterase activity and enzyme inhibitor activity, localised to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall and extracellular space. The gene is associated with pectin breakdown, cell wall modification, lignin anabolism, sucrose metabolism, anthocyanin accumulation in response to UV light, and regulation of meristem size and maintenance. In this species, PME53 has been linked to drought tolerance. Additional associations include cold tolerance, thermotolerance, stomatal closure and stomatal development. The gene is also associated with cotyledon vascular tissue pattern formation, determination of bilateral symmetry, flower morphogenesis, cell tip growth, and polarity specification of the adaxial/abaxial axis. Studies of related pectinesterase family members in other species link the family to altered leaf morphology and abnormal stomata development.