ERF1 — Capsicum annuum

Summary

CaERF1 (T459_29255) on pepper chromosome 12 encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor of the AP2/ERF domain family, with transcription coactivator activity and sequence-specific DNA binding. It is associated with the regulation of ethylene and jasmonic acid signaling, defense responses, fruit ripening, trichome formation, and responses to drought, salt, osmotic stress, and red/far-red light. The gene is linked to fruit length and weight, plant height, flowering time, seed viability, photosynthetic rate, respiration rate, flavonoid content, heterosis, and disease tolerance. It has also been connected to pathogen resistance, including against Botrytis cinerea, heat and salt tolerance, lateral root development, auxin accumulation, and ethylene sensitivity. Studies of related genes in other species link it to resistance to Pseudomonas syringae, Fusarium oxysporum, and viruses, as well as drought response and root architecture.