AP2/ERF
Brief Introduction
- The AP2/ERF superfamily,one of the largest groups of transcription factors in plants, is defined by the AP2/ERF domain, which consists of about 60 to 70 amino acid residues and is involved in DNA binding[1][2][3].
- This superfamily can be classified into three gene families: AP2, ERF and RAV based on sequence similarities and the number of AP2/ERF domains. The AP2 family proteins contain two repeated AP2/ERF domains, the ERF family proteins contain a single AP2/ERF domain, and the RAV family proteins contain a B3 domain in addition to the single AP2/ERF domain[1][2][3].
- Genes in the AP2 family have been reported to participate in a series of biological processes, including the regulation of flower development, spikelet meristem determinacy, leaf epidermal cell identity and embryo development[1][2][3]. Recently, the involvement of members of the RAV family in ethylene response and in brassinosteroid response was reported[1][3]. ERF family were identified and implicated in many diverse functions in cellular processes, such as hormonal signal transduction, response to biotic and abiotic stresses and regulation of metabolism and in developmental processes in various plant species[1][2].
