XF1 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

AoXF1 (also known as XF1, DRY2, and SQE1-6) on asparagus chromosome 3 encodes a squalene monooxygenase (EC 1.14.14.17), a FAD/NAD-binding enzyme of the squalene epoxidase family. This gene is associated with sterol and terpene anabolism, responses to hormones including jasmonic acid, ethylene, and salicylate, as well as to wounding, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, molecules of fungal origin, vanadate, and metals. It is linked to ER membrane, mitochondrial, and extracellular localisation. Associations with plant development, hypocotyl and root elongation, plant stature, seed viability, reactive oxygen species regulation, and drought tolerance have been noted. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to squalene epoxidase activity, embryo and root development, and traits such as plant height, chlorophyll content, and photochemical quenching.