AP2 — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_015264 (DcAP2) on carrot chromosome 4 encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor with AP2/ERF and zinc-binding domains, annotated for transcription corepressor and coactivator binding, blue light photoreceptor activity, and protein homodimerization. The gene is associated with regulation of floral organ and seed abscission, seed and endosperm development, seed coat development, cell wall thickening, epidermal cell fate specification, starch biosynthesis, and negative regulation of transcription. It has been linked to traits including seed color, seed set, plant size, flowering time, photoperiod sensitivity, branch angle, male sterility, shoot elongation, trichome morphology, and responses to aphids, thrips, jasmonic acid, gibberellic acid, cytokinin, potassium, and light. Localization evidence places the product in the nucleus, cytosol, nucleolus, Cajal body, SCF complex, and transcription regulator complex. Related genes in other species connect the family to floral organ identity, trichome development, seed mucilage, drought tolerance, and defense against pathogens and insects.