Gossypium hirsutum gene of unknown function Gohir.A02G131900 encodes a potential plant-specific, dual-domain exo-1,3-β-glucosidase.

A gene of unknown function, Gohir.A02G131900.1, identified in Gossypium hirsutum was studied using computational sequence and structure bioinformatic tools. The encoded protein GhGH5BG-A0A1U8NW40 (UniProt A0A1U8NW40) is predicted to be secreted and localized to the cell wall. Homology and conserved residues indicate it belongs to a plant-specific subgroup of the glycoside hydrolase family 5 and likely has exo-1,3-β-glucosidase activity. This subgroup is unique in containing a fascin-like domain which may have evolved a unique glucan binding site of interest for further research.