HMA4 — Triticum aestivum

Summary

TRAESCS7A02G480100, designated TaHMA4 on bread wheat chromosome 7A, encodes an HMA domain-containing protein with P-type ATPase domains and multiple cation-transporting ATPase activities, including P-type divalent copper, monovalent copper, zinc, cadmium, calcium, sodium, and potassium:proton transporter activities, as well as copper binding and calmodulin binding. The gene is associated with copper ion detoxification and homeostasis, proton export across the plasma membrane, potassium ion export, transition metal transport, and responses to toxic substances, nitrate, and karrikin. TaHMA4 is associated with salt and drought stress responses, lateral root number, shoot fresh weight, auxin sensitivity and content, and drought tolerance. It localises to the vacuolar membrane, Golgi membrane, and plasmalemma, and is associated with meristem initiation, G2 phase, and vacuole organisation. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to heavy metal transport.