ATK1 — Solanum tuberosum

Summary

StATK1 (also known as StKNAT6, KNAT6, or ATK1) on potato chromosome 5 encodes a KNOX homeobox transcription factor containing ELK, KNOX1, KNOX2, and homeodomain motifs. The protein localizes to the nucleus, cytoplasm, cytosol, and plasmodesmata, and exhibits RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding and transcription factor activity, as well as protein homo- and heterodimerization activity. StATK1 is associated with shoot organ boundary specification, internode patterning, maintenance of inflorescence meristem identity, carpel identity specification, and regulation of gibberellin biosynthesis. It is also linked to asexual reproduction, response to short-day and far-red light, negative regulation of auxin signaling, and flavonoid anabolism. Trait associations include leaflet number, peduncle length, phyllotaxy, anthocyanin content, flowering time, and salt tolerance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to organ separation, leaf development, and shoot morphogenesis.