ERF1 — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C032815.2, designated CmERF1 (synonyms ERF1, ERF1B, ERF15), encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor with transcription coactivator activity, localised to the nucleus and mediator complex. In melon, this gene is associated with ethylene and jasmonic acid signalling, cellular responses to drought, salinity and osmotic stress, defence responses to fungi, camalexin biosynthesis, trichome papilla formation and branching, flower development regulation, red and far-red light phototransduction, cell cycle and division. It is linked to traits including ethylene and auxin sensitivity, jasmonic acid content, respiration and photosynthetic rates, flowering time, organ identity, disease tolerance, and root, hypocotyl and floral organ development. Phenotypic associations include resistance to Botrytis cinerea and necrotrophic pathogens, drought, salt and heat tolerance, stomatal aperture regulation, lateral root development and emergence, primary root elongation, and post-anoxia recovery. Studies in related genes in other species link the ERF1 family to ethylene response, fungal and viral resistance, drought response, root architecture, fruit growth, and cadmium stress tolerance.