SEN4 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

AoSEN4 (A4U43_C05F24330) 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, assembly, and organization, 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, leaf vascular tissue pattern formation, and secondary cell wall biogenesis. The protein localizes to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, Golgi, secretory vesicle, and plasma membrane. 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 XTH family to root elongation, vascular development, freezing stress resistance, and aluminum tolerance.