AP2 — Solanum lycopersicum

Summary

SlAP2 (SOLYC09G007260.4) encodes a protein containing an AP2/ERF domain and a DNA-binding domain, with sequence-specific DNA binding, transcription coactivator and corepressor activities, blue light photoreceptor activity, and protein homodimerization activity. In tomato, SlAP2 is associated with appendage and sepal morphogenesis, regulation of seed development and abscission, floral organ abscission, cell dedifferentiation, lycopene and terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis, proline metabolism, and the SOS response. It localizes to the nucleus, cytosol, nucleolus, Cajal body, SCF complex, and transcription regulator complex. The gene has been connected to numerous traits including fruit color and firmness, seed color, inflorescence branching, root fresh weight, leaf curling, plant male sterility, and responses to aphids, thrips, light, and jasmonic acid. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to floral organ identity, trichome development, drought tolerance, and pathogen defense.