CEP1 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

A4U43_C05F5030 (CEP1) on asparagus chromosome 5 encodes a cathepsin propeptide inhibitor domain-containing protein with thiol endopeptidase activity, belonging to the papain-like cysteine peptidase family (Peptidase C1A). The gene is associated with programmed cell death involved in cell development, floral organ senescence, anther wall tapetum development, and HR-PCD. 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 against fungi. The product localises to senescence-associated vacuoles, lysosomes, vacuoles, the ER, Golgi, plant-type cell wall, and extracellular space. Associations with agronomic traits include photosynthetic rate, nitrate uptake, leaf composition, seedling growth, organ identity, and, through related gene studies, seed yield, drought tolerance, stomatal closure, nitrogen remobilization, pollen development and fertility, stem growth, insect resistance, and secondary wall thickening.