AP2 — Solanum lycopersicum

Summary

SlAP2 (SOLYC10G084340.2) on tomato chromosome 10 encodes a protein with an AP2/ERF domain, possessing sequence-specific DNA binding, transcription corepressor and coactivator activities, and blue light photoreceptor activity. It is associated with diverse biological processes including appendage and sepal development, seed development and abscission, lycopene and terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis, proline metabolism, and the SOS response. The gene has been linked to numerous agronomic traits such as fruit color and firmness, seed color, inflorescence branching, plant size, photoperiod-sensitive flowering, and responses to aphids, rice thrips, and potassium. It localizes to the nucleus, cytosol, and transcription regulator complex. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to floral organ identity, trichome development, drought tolerance, and defense against pathogens and insects.