SEN4 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

A4U43_C05F2200 (SEN4) on asparagus chromosome 5 encodes a xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) family protein with xyloglucan-specific endo-beta-1,4-glucanase and endoxyloglucan transferase activities. The gene is associated with cell wall loosening, organization, and biogenesis, as well as xyloglucan catabolism and metabolism. It has been linked to responses to gibberellin, auxin, brassinosteroid, salt, and far-red light, and to primary root development, secondary cell wall biogenesis, lignin anabolism, and leaf vascular tissue pattern formation. The protein localizes to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, Golgi complex, and secretory vesicle. Associations include aluminum response, brassinosteroid sensitivity, chlorophyll content, seed growth, lateral root development, salt tolerance, freezing tolerance, leaf senescence, and shade avoidance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to root elongation, vascular development, freezing stress resistance, and aluminum tolerance.