ERF1 — Capsicum annuum

Summary

CaERF1 (T459_29249) on pepper chromosome 12 encodes a protein with an AP2/ERF domain, DNA-binding and transcription coactivator activities, and is associated with a Chloroa_b-bind domain. The gene is associated with ethylene and jasmonic acid signaling, defense response upregulation, fruit ripening, trichome formation, and responses to drought, salinity, osmotic stress, and red/far-red light. It localizes to the nucleus, photosystem II, chloroplast thylakoid membrane, and mediator complex. Associations with traits include fruit length and weight, plant height, flowering time, seed viability, photosynthetic rate, flavonoid content, ethylene and auxin sensitivity, heterosis, disease tolerance, and root morphology. Phenotypic connections include resistance to Botrytis cinerea and necrotrophic pathogens, drought, salt, and heat tolerance, stomatal aperture regulation, lateral root development, and ethylene signaling. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to fungal and viral resistance, drought response, and root architecture.