AP1 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

OsAP1 (OS02G0104100) on rice chromosome 2 encodes a MADS-box transcription factor with RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding and protein dimerization activities. This gene is associated with floral organ development, including specification of carpel and stamen identity, floral whorl morphogenesis, and meristem determinacy. It has been linked to seed growth, fruit morphogenesis, and regulation of developmental processes. Associations with agronomic traits include days to heading, photoperiod-sensitive flowering, grain shape and weight, panicle architecture, tillering, and culm length. The gene is also connected to responses to high temperature, UV light, and hormones such as cytokinin and brassinosteroid. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to floral transition, meristem identity, and flower senescence.