AP2 — Cucumis sativus

Summary

CsAP2 (CSA_6G296960) on cucumber chromosome 6 encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor with an AP2/ERF domain, exhibiting transcription corepressor and coactivator activity, blue light photoreceptor activity, and protein homodimerization. It is associated with regulation of floral organ abscission, seed development, sex determination, and downregulation of photosynthesis. The gene is linked to starch biosynthesis regulation, circadian clock photoentrainment, and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance. Localization evidence places the product in the nucleus, cytosol, nucleolus, Cajal body, and SCF complex. Associations with agronomic traits include seed color, fruit length, branch angle, plant male sterility, photoperiod-sensitive flowering time, aphid and insect damage response, and shoot system elongation rate. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to trichome development, drought tolerance, and defense against pathogens and insects.