AP2 — Lactuca sativa

Summary

LsAP2, located on chromosome 3 of garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa), encodes a transcription corepressor containing an AP2/ERF domain, a DNA-binding domain superfamily member that binds DNA and zinc, homodimerizes, and interacts with identical proteins. This gene is associated with the regulation of flower development, floral organ identity and abscission, seed development and abscission, starch biosynthesis, gibberellic acid homeostasis, meristem maintenance, and the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase. It localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, and transcription regulator complex. Associations also link LsAP2 to flowering time, leaf size, photosynthetic rate, root morphology, lycopene accumulation, fruit ripening, seed yield, and somatic embryogenesis. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to flower and seed development, ovule number, and Fusarium wilt resistance.