AP1 — Medicago truncatula

Summary

MTR_5G046790 (MtAP1) encodes a MADS-box transcription factor with RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding activity, chromatin binding, and transcriptional co-regulator functions. It is associated with floral whorl development, the vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition, inflorescence development, and floral meristem identity. The gene has been linked to numerous reproductive and fruit traits, including legume fruit shattering, fruit yield, fruit shape, carpel morphology, seed color, seed coat morphology, and release of seed from dormancy. Additional associations include regulation of proanthocyanidin anabolism, abscisic acid breakdown, response to cytokinin stimulus, and somatic cell DNA recombination. The protein localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, plastid, and plasmodesma. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to floral meristem determination, petal and stamen identity, pod shatter resistance, seed yield, and temperature-responsive flowering.