SEN4 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

AoSEN4 (SEN4) on asparagus chromosome 5 encodes a xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) family protein with endoxyloglucan transferase and beta-glucanase activity. The gene is associated with cell wall assembly, loosening, and biogenesis, as well as xyloglucan and glucan metabolism. It is linked to responses to auxin, gibberellin, brassinosteroid, salt, and far-red light, and to primary root development, leaf vascular pattern formation, and secondary cell wall biogenesis. The protein localises to the apoplast, plant-type cell wall, Golgi, secretory vesicle, and plasma membrane. Associations with agronomic traits include chlorophyll content, seed growth and development, brassinosteroid sensitivity, and aluminium response. Related genes in other species link the family to root and shoot elongation, freezing tolerance, aluminium resistance, fruit firmness, and lignin content.