ERF1 — Capsicum annuum

Summary

CaERF1 (T459_15001) on pepper chromosome 5 encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor of the AP2/ERF domain family. The gene is associated with sequence-specific DNA binding, transcription regulation, and protein binding, and localises to the nucleus and protoplasm. CaERF1 is associated with ethylene and jasmonic acid signalling, defense responses, lignin and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, fruit ripening, seed germination, and nitric oxide storage. Associations with agronomic traits include fruit length and weight, plant height, photosynthetic rate, heterosis, flavonoid content, seed viability, and salt response. The gene has been linked to nematode resistance, insect herbivory resistance, phenolics accumulation, and ethylene response. Studies of related ERF family members in other species link the family to additional traits such as drought tolerance, bacterial blight resistance, fruit firmness and colour, carotenoid and anthocyanin content, and heat stress tolerance.