AP2 — Solanum tuberosum

Summary

PGSC0003DMG400025390, designated StAP2 (also known as StTOE1, StRAP2.7, or StSNZ) on potato chromosome 11, encodes an APETALA2 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 is linked to numerous traits including starch yield and content, seed color, branch angle, photoperiod-sensitive flowering time, plant male sterility, and response to biotic stimulus. The gene is also associated with hormone sensitivities (abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, cytokinin, gibberellic acid), osmotic stress tolerance, and root phototropism. Related genes in other species link the family to trichome development, seed mucilage production, and defense against pathogens and insects.