AP2 — Solanum lycopersicum

Summary

SlAP2 (SOLYC11G072600.3) on tomato chromosome 11 encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor of the AP2/ERF domain family, with sequence-specific DNA binding, transcription coactivator and corepressor activity, and blue light photoreceptor activity. The gene is associated with a wide range of developmental and metabolic processes, including appendage and sepal morphogenesis, seed development and abscission, floral organ abscission, epidermal cell fate specification, and lycopene and terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis. It has been linked to traits such as fruit color and firmness, seed color, inflorescence branching, plant male sterility, root fresh weight, and responses to light, aphids, thrips, potassium, and gibberellic acid. The protein localizes to the nucleus, cytosol, nucleolus, Cajal body, SCF complex, and transcription regulator complex. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to trichome development, mucilage production, tannin accumulation, and defense responses.