ERF1 — Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Summary

DCAR_014633, designated DcERF1 (also known as DcERF2, DcERF13, or DcEREBP) on carrot chromosome 4, encodes an uncharacterized protein containing an AP2/ERF DNA-binding domain and is annotated as a sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factor. The gene is associated with regulation of ethylene-mediated signaling, defense response, secondary metabolism, fruit ripening, and root development, and its product localizes to the nucleus. DcERF1 has been linked to root fresh weight, photosynthetic rate, ethylene sensitivity, nematode resistance, phenolics accumulation, and insect herbivory resistance. Studies of related ERF family members in other species connect the family to traits including bacterial blight resistance, fruit firmness and color, carotenoid and flavonoid content, salt and heat stress responses, seed dormancy, and plant height, though these associations are not yet established in carrot.