AP2 — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB125330, designated ZmAP2 (also known as AP2 or PTI6) on maize chromosome 3, encodes a transcription factor of the AP2/ERF family, specifically the ERF subfamily, with DNA-binding and transcription cis-regulatory region binding activity. The protein localises to the nucleus. ZmAP2 is associated with a broad range of biological processes including seed morphogenesis, meristem determinacy, organogenesis, sex determination, apoptotic process, fat cell differentiation, and dedifferentiation. It is also linked to inorganic anion transport, nitrate import, amino acid transport, pyruvate metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and protein processing. Agronomically, the gene has been connected to numerous yield-related and stress tolerance traits, including grain yield, grain number, grain weight, seed length and size, cob diameter, plant height, leaf angle and shape, tassel branch number, anthesis-silking interval, root volume and length, biomass yield, chlorophyll content, and responses to drought, cold, and salinity.