ERF1 — Capsicum annuum

Summary

CaERF1 (T459_23925) on pepper chromosome 9 encodes an AP2/ERF domain-containing transcription factor with DNA-binding, transcription coactivator and corepressor activities, and protein homodimerization and kinase-binding capabilities. The gene is associated with regulation of ethylene and jasmonic acid signaling pathways, cellular responses to drought and salinity, defense response upregulation, and red/far-red light phototransduction. It has been linked to seed oilbody biogenesis, trichome papilla formation and branching, phloem or xylem histogenesis, and embryo shoot apical meristem specification. Associations with agronomic traits include fruit length and weight, plant height, flowering time, photosynthetic rate, drought and submergence tolerance, disease tolerance, seed viability, flavonoid content, and heterosis. The protein localizes to the nucleus, nucleolus, cytosol, cytoplasm, and mediator complex. Studies of related genes in other species link the ERF family to cold, salt, drought and heat stress responses, pathogen resistance, leaf senescence, and anthocyanin biosynthesis.