PCS1 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

OsPCS1 (OS03G0271900) encodes an aspartic endopeptidase with protease activity, belonging to the pepsin-like plant aspartic peptidase A1 family. The gene is associated with detoxification of arsenic, phytochelatin anabolism, and cadmium transport, and has been linked to arsenic accumulation and tolerance. It is also associated with embryo development, programmed cell death, male sterility, and hormone anabolism. Localisation evidence places the product in the apoplast, endoplasmic reticulum, and extracellular space. Associations with agronomically relevant traits include arsenic and cadmium concentration, phosphate content, root and shoot fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and reproductive period. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to metal homeostasis, salt tolerance, disease resistance, and chromium stress tolerance.