AP1 — Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare

Summary

HORVU.MOREX.R3.2HG0156870, designated HvAP1 (also known as HvVRN1), encodes a MADS-box transcription factor on barley chromosome 2H. The protein contains a MADS-box and K-box domain and exhibits sequence-specific DNA binding, transcription corepressor activity, and protein dimerization activity. HvAP1 is associated with the regulation of the vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition, vernalization response, inflorescence and floral meristem identity, and flower and fruit development. It has been linked to agronomically important traits including photoperiod-sensitive flowering time, heading date, spike length, grain weight, stem elongation, leaf length, and responses to high temperature and UV light. The gene is also connected to root development, drought tolerance, and abiotic stress responses. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to floral senescence, abscission, grain shape, tillering, and yield traits.