AP2 — Lactuca sativa

Summary

LsAP2, encoded by the garden lettuce gene LSAT_V11C100022150 on chromosome 1, is a transcription factor containing an AP2/ERF DNA-binding domain. It is associated with sequence-specific DNA binding, transcription coactivator and corepressor activities, blue light photoreceptor activity, and protein homodimerization. The gene is linked to the regulation of floral organ abscission, seed development, endosperm development, seed coat development, starch biosynthesis, nitrogen utilization, and plant organ morphogenesis. It has also been connected to traits including seed color, branch angle, photoperiod-sensitive flowering time, plant male sterility, aphid and insect damage response, trichome morphology, and shoot system elongation. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to floral organ identity, trichome development, seed mucilage production, and defense against pathogens and insects.