AP2ERF

AP2ERF stands for APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor, a large family of plant transcription factors within the AP2/ERF superfamily. Members are defined by the AP2 DNA-binding domain, a roughly 60–70 amino acid region that enables interaction with specific promoter sequences. In this family, many proteins contain a single AP2 domain (the ERF and DREB subfamilies), while a smaller subset carries two AP2 domains (the AP2 subfamily).

Functionally, AP2ERF proteins regulate gene expression in response to ethylene signaling and a range of abiotic and biotic stresses. They typically bind to cis-regulatory elements such as the GCC box (AGCCGCC) found in many ethylene-responsive genes, and DRE/CRT elements (dehydration-responsive element/C-repeat) in stress-inducible genes. Members can act as transcriptional activators or repressors, and their activity is controlled at multiple levels, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulation.

Genomic distribution and evolution show that the AP2ERF family is widespread across land plants, with gene expansion through duplication contributing to large family sizes in many species. Diverse expression patterns among tissues and stress conditions support their roles in coordinating development with adaptive responses.

Applications and research focus on AP2ERF genes include improving crop tolerance to environmental stresses through breeding or genetic engineering. While they offer potential benefits, manipulating these factors can have pleiotropic effects on growth and development.

See also: APETALA2, Ethylene Responsive Factor, DREB, GCC box, AP2/ERF superfamily.