ERF1 — Cucumis sativus

Summary

CSA_6G518040 (ERF1, also known as ERF4, ERF8, ERF9, ERF11, and RAP2.5) on cucumber chromosome 6 encodes an AP2/ERF domain-containing protein with DNA-binding, transcription coactivator and corepressor activities, and protein homodimerization and kinase-binding capabilities. The gene is associated with sex differentiation, photoperiodism, floral meristem determinacy, and regulation of secondary shoot formation. It is linked to responses to drought, salinity, submergence, and high temperature stress, as well as traits including fruit length, plant height, leaf number and shape, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, flowering time, and disease tolerance. Associations also include jasmonic acid-mediated systemic resistance, ethylene signaling downregulation, glucosinolate metabolism, carbohydrate storage, and root and stomatal traits. The protein localizes to the nucleus, nucleolus, cytosol, and mediator complex. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to cold, salt, and drought stress tolerance, pathogen resistance, and anthocyanin production.