CEP1 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

A4U43_C05F5000 (CEP1) on asparagus chromosome 5 encodes a papain-like cysteine peptidase belonging to the peptidase C1A family, with thiol endopeptidase activity and protein binding functions. The gene is associated with programmed cell death during development, floral organ senescence, anther wall tapetum development, and proteolysis. It is linked to responses to nutrient levels, sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), and hormones including cytokinin, gibberellin, ethylene, auxin, and brassinosteroid signalling, as well as UV-B and defence response to fungi. Localisation evidence connects the product to the senescence-associated vacuole, lysosome, vacuole, plant-type cell wall, ER, Golgi, and extracellular space. Associations with agronomic traits include leaf senescence, seed yield, drought tolerance, nitrogen remobilization, pollen development and fertility, stem growth, insect resistance, and root hair growth. Related genes in other species link the family to developmental senescence, powdery mildew resistance, and cadmium-induced programmed cell death.