CEP1 — Asparagus officinalis

Summary

A4U43_C07F28840 (CEP1) on asparagus chromosome 7 encodes a granulins domain-containing protein with cysteine-type peptidase activity, specifically a papain-like cysteine peptidase. The gene is associated with programmed cell death in cell development, floral organ senescence, and anther wall tapetum development. It is linked to responses to nutrient levels, including fructose, glucose, sucrose, and to hormones such as cytokinin, ethylene, auxin, and brassinosteroid-mediated signalling. The product localises to the senescence-associated vacuole, lysosome, protein storage vacuole, and ER lumen. Associations include leaf senescence, nitrogen remobilisation, seed yield, drought tolerance, stomatal closure, pollen development and fertility, stem growth, insect resistance, and root hair growth. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to developmental senescence, powdery mildew resistance, and cadmium-induced programmed cell death.