AP3 — Brassica oleracea

Summary

BoAP3, located on chromosome 4 of cabbage (Brassica oleracea), encodes a MADS-box transcription factor containing K-box and MEF2-like domains. The protein exhibits DNA-binding, transcription factor activity, and protein dimerization functions, and localises to the nucleus, cytosol, and plasmodesmata. BoAP3 is associated with the specification of floral organ identity, particularly petal and stamen identity, as well as floral meristem maintenance, carpel and seed coat development, and responses to biotic stimuli, silver ions, and heat stress. The gene is linked to numerous flower morphology traits, including petal number, sepal and stamen morphology, floral organ size, and inflorescence development. Associations with cytoplasmic male sterility, seed longevity, photoperiod-sensitive flowering time, leaf curling, auxin sensitivity, and jasmonic acid content have also been noted. Related genes in other species are linked to petal and stamen identity, floral organ development, and meristem activity.