AP2 — Solanum lycopersicum

Summary

SlAP2 (SOLYC04G049800.3) encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor containing an AP2/ERF domain, with molecular functions including sequence-specific DNA binding, transcription corepressor and coactivator activity, blue light photoreceptor activity, and protein homodimerization. In tomato, SlAP2 is associated with diverse biological processes such as appendage and sepal development, regulation of seed development and abscission, lycopene and terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis, proline metabolism, cell dedifferentiation, and the SOS response. It localizes to the nucleus, cytosol, nucleolus, Cajal body, SCF complex, and transcription regulator complex. The gene is linked to numerous agronomic traits including fruit color and firmness, seed color and set, inflorescence branching, plant size, male sterility, photoperiod-sensitive flowering, leaf curling, root hair density, and responses to aphids, rice thrips, light, and jasmonic acid. Related genes in other species are associated with floral organ identity, trichome development, drought tolerance, and pathogen defense.