ASP1 — Medicago truncatula

Summary

MTR_4G080130 (MtASP1) on chromosome 4 of barrel medic encodes an aspartate aminotransferase, a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme with L-aspartate:2-oxoglutarate transaminase activity and copper binding. The gene is associated with aspartate, glutamate, 2-oxoglutarate, and proline metabolism, as well as carbohydrate breakdown, the TCA cycle, nitrate assimilation, nitrogen fixation, and nodulation. It has been connected to cytokinin anabolism, somatic embryogenesis, cell differentiation, and homeostasis. The protein localises to mitochondria, the cytosol, and the cytoplasm. MtASP1 is linked to drought tolerance, leaf water potential, nitrate transport, starch content, and oxidative stress response. Studies of related genes in other species support the family's association with nitrogen metabolism and stress responses.