ERF1 — Capsicum annuum

Summary

CaERF1 (T459_07822) on pepper chromosome 3 encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor with an AP2/ERF domain. It is associated with transcription coactivator activity and sequence-specific DNA binding. The gene is linked to diverse biological processes including fruit ripening, trichome formation, flower development, and responses to drought, salinity, ethylene, jasmonic acid, and red/far-red light. It localizes to the nucleus and the mediator complex. Associations with agronomic traits include fruit length and weight, plant height, flowering time, seed viability, photosynthetic rate, flavonoid content, and disease tolerance. Phenotypic connections involve resistance to Botrytis cinerea and necrotrophic pathogens, salt and drought tolerance, heat tolerance, lateral root development, and ethylene signaling. Studies of related genes in other species further link it to fungal and viral resistance, drought response, and root architecture.