InterPro domain: IPR006459

This family consists of CASP and CASP-like proteins. In vascular plants Casparian strips span the cell wall of adjacent endodermal cells to form a tight junction that blocks extracellular diffusion [ 1 ]. Casparian Strip Membrane Domain Proteins (CASPs) are four-membrane-span proteins that recruit the lignin polymerisation machinery necessary for the deposition of Casparian strips in the endodermis. CASP-like proteins (CASPLs) are found in all major divisions of land plants as well as in green algae. In Arabidopsis, CASPLs show specific expression in a variety of cell types [ 2 ].

1. Dirigent domain-containing protein is part of the machinery required for formation of the lignin-based Casparian strip in the root. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
2. Functional and evolutionary analysis of the CASPARIAN STRIP MEMBRANE DOMAIN PROTEIN family. Plant Physiol. 110, 14498-503