AP2 — Nicotiana attenuata

Summary

A4A49_41272 (AP2, also known as TOE1, RAP2.7, SNZ) in coyote tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) encodes an AP2/ERF domain-containing transcription factor with DNA-binding, transcription coactivator and corepressor binding activities, and blue light photoreceptor activity. The gene is associated with regulation of seed development, floral organ abscission, nicotine and cytokinin biosynthesis, secondary metabolism, and the circadian clock. It is linked to traits including flowering time, seed color and set, leaf nitrogen content, photosynthetic ability, drought sensitivity, and responses to aphids, thrips, and insect damage. Associations with plant male sterility, shoot apical meristem development, organ growth, and epidermal cell fate specification have also been noted. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to trichome development, seed mucilage production, tannin accumulation, and defense against pathogens and insects.