Aluminium-induced cell death requires upregulation of NtVPE1 gene coding vacuolar processing enzyme in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

VPE gene encodes vacuolar processing enzyme exhibiting caspase-1 like activity. Initiation of aluminium-induced cell death at root apex is strongly related to upregulation of VPE1 in tobacco. Study of the suppressor lines of VPEs constructed in tobacco cell line BY-2 indicates that VPE1 is essential for aluminium-induced cell death.71