ERF1 — Lactuca sativa

Summary

LsERF1 (ERF1) on chromosome 2 of garden lettuce encodes a protein containing an AP2/ERF domain, with DNA binding and transcription coactivator activity. The gene is associated with ethylene signaling and biosynthesis, defense responses, and responses to drought, salinity, and red and far-red light. It is linked to trichome papilla formation and branching, flower development, fruit ripening, and seed germination. Associations with agronomic traits include disease tolerance, resistance to Botrytis cinerea and other necrotrophic pathogens, salt and drought tolerance, heat tolerance, photosynthetic rate, respiration rate, flowering time, and root morphology traits including lateral root development and primary root elongation. The encoded protein localizes to the nucleus and is part of the mediator complex. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to ethylene response, fungal and bacterial resistance, and drought stress response.