CEP1 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

A4U43_C01F33510 (CEP1) in asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) encodes a cathepsin propeptide inhibitor domain-containing protein belonging to the papain-like cysteine peptidase superfamily. The gene product exhibits cysteine-type peptidase activity and is associated with serpin family protein binding and proteinase-activated receptor binding. CEP1 is linked to proteolysis and NO storage, and localises to the vacuole and extracellular space. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to additional cysteine-type peptidase activities (EC 3.4.22.2, 3.4.22.6, 3.4.22.25, 3.4.22.30, 3.4.22.33) and to proteins including fruit bromelain and mucunain, though these associations are not yet established in asparagus.