AP2 — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB335200, designated ZmAP2 (also known as AP2 or PTI6) on maize chromosome 8, encodes a transcription factor of the AP2/ERF subfamily, possessing DNA-binding and transcription cis-regulatory region binding activity. The protein localises to the nucleus. ZmAP2 is associated with a wide range of biological processes, including seed morphogenesis, meristem determinacy, organogenesis, sex determination, and SAM development, as well as nitrate import, amino acid transport, and pyruvate metabolism. The gene has been linked to numerous agronomically important traits, such as grain yield, grain number, grain weight, seed length and size, plant height, leaf angle and shape, tassel branch number, anthesis silking interval, root volume and length, biomass yield, and tolerance to drought, cold, and salinity. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to additional traits including spikelet number, grain dimensions, and floral organ identity.