AP1 — Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Summary

BVRB_5G113480 (symbol AP1, also known as BvAGL8, BvFUL2 or AGL8) on sugar beet chromosome 5 encodes a MADS-box transcription factor containing K-box and MEF2-like domains, with RNA polymerase II transcription regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding and protein dimerization activities. The gene is associated with flower formation, carpel development, floral meristem determinacy, and positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. It has been linked to petal number, floral organ identity, ethylene sensitivity, photosynthetic rate, flowering time, shoot architecture, and fruit ripening. The protein localizes to the nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to fruit morphology, seed shattering, grain size, carotenoid and anthocyanin content, plant height, leaf shape, and pathogen resistance.