AP2 — Medicago truncatula

Summary

MTR_2G023910 (MtAP2) encodes an aspartic endopeptidase with endopeptidase activity, belonging to the saposin-like and aspartic peptidase A1 domain families. In barrel medic, this gene is associated with the acquisition of desiccation tolerance, regulation of seed maturation, seed growth, organ growth, nitrogen fixation, abscission, and responses to light intensity, cadmium, and stimulus. It is also linked to cytokinin and ethylene anabolism, lipogenesis, sucrose metabolism, secondary metabolism, RNA processing, and NO storage. The encoded protein localizes to the protein storage vacuole, secretory vesicle, vacuole, plasmodesma, nucleus, and extracellular space. MtAP2 has been connected to seed longevity, photosynthetic rate, germination rate, drought tolerance, salt tolerance, stomatal density, and stomatal aperture. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to traits including grain yield, seed weight, root biomass, and chlorophyll content.