ZAP1 — Solanum tuberosum

Summary

StZAP1 (also known as StWRKY1, WRKY49, or StWRKY20) on potato chromosome 12 encodes a WRKY transcription factor with sequence-specific DNA-binding and protein homodimerization activity, localizing to both the nucleus and mitochondria. It is associated with cell wall thickening, lignin anabolism, wound healing, and positive regulation of leaf senescence. StZAP1 is linked to abscisic acid and gibberellin signaling, salicylic acid-mediated defense pathways, and responses to bacterial, fungal, and chitin stimuli. Observed phenotypes include late blight resistance. The gene has also been associated with drought tolerance, salt stress tolerance, stomatal movement, alkaloid production, nitrogen remobilization, flowering time, selenium response, and disease resistance. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to early blight disease resistance, resistance to Phytophthora infestans, and drought resistance.