AP2 — Solanum tuberosum

Summary

PGSC0003DMG400006604 (StAP2, also known as TOE1, RAP2.7, or SNZ) on potato chromosome 6 encodes a protein containing an AP2/ERF DNA-binding domain. The protein exhibits sequence-specific DNA binding, transcription coactivator and corepressor binding activities, and blue light photoreceptor activity. StAP2 is associated with the regulation of starch biosynthesis, seed development, floral organ abscission, and plant epidermal cell fate specification. It has been linked to numerous agronomic traits including starch yield and content, seed color and set, photoperiod-sensitive flowering time, plant male sterility, branch angle, shoot system elongation, and responses to biotic stimuli such as aphids, thrips, and insects. The gene is also connected to hormone sensitivities (abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, cytokinin, gibberellic acid), osmotic stress tolerance, and root phototropism. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to trichome development, mucilage production, tannin accumulation, and defense responses against pathogens and insects.