XF1 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

A4U43_C03F23500, designated XF1 (also known as AoXF1, AoSQP2, AoERG1, AoSQP1, SQP2, DRY2, SQE5, SQE6, SQE3, SQE1, and SQE2) on asparagus chromosome 3, encodes a squalene monooxygenase (EC 1.14.14.17) with FAD/NAD-binding and squalene epoxidase domains. This enzyme is associated with sterol and terpene anabolism, and the gene is linked to responses to hormones including jasmonic acid, ethylene, and salicylate, as well as to wounding, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, vanadate, fungal molecules, and metal stress. The product localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, mitochondria, and extracellular space. Associations with plant development, hypocotyl and root elongation, plant stature, seed viability, reactive oxygen species regulation, drought tolerance, and terbinafine sensitivity have been noted. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to squalene epoxidase activity, embryo and root development, and traits including plant height, chlorophyll content, and photochemical quenching.