AP1 — Sorghum bicolor

Summary

SORBI_3002G010100 (SbAP1) encodes a MADS-box transcription factor 15 that binds DNA and regulates RNA polymerase II transcription. This sorghum gene on chromosome 2 is associated with the regulation of flowering time, including the transition from vegetative to reproductive phases, and with inflorescence and floral meristem identity maintenance. SbAP1 is linked to fruit and seed development, including morphogenesis, senescence, and abscission, as well as to root meristem size regulation and auxin transport. The gene has been connected to photoperiod-sensitive flowering, days to flowering, heading date, grain weight, panicle development, and responses to high temperature, UV light, and drought. It is also associated with chloroplast development, photosynthetic rate, anthocyanin content, and leaf senescence. Related genes in other species link the family to petal and sepal development and floral organ abscission, as well as to tillering, grain shape, and internode elongation.