CEP1 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

A4U43_C02F9270, designated CEP1 (also known as AoCEP1, AoCYSEP, AoSAG12, and others) on asparagus chromosome 2, encodes a papain-like cysteine peptidase with thiol endopeptidase activity. The protein belongs to the peptidase C1A family and contains a peptidase_C1A_papain-like domain. CEP1 is associated with proteolysis and programmed cell death involved in cell development, as well as leaf senescence. It is linked to responses to the hormones gibberellin, ethylene, and abscisic acid, and to nitrogen storage. The gene product localizes to the senescence-associated vacuole, protein storage vacuole, lysosome, aleurone body, and extracellular space. Related genes in other species link the family to additional proteolytic functions.