ABSTRACT
Transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in plant growth, development, and also in response to various stresses. The AP2 (Apetela2)/ERF TF family is confined to plants only and is distinguished by a conserved AP2/ERF domain of approximately 60 amino acids long. The AP2/ERF TFs are further classified based on the copy number and sequence similarity of the AP2/ERF domain. Through specialized binding to dehydration-responsive element (DRE)/C-repeat cis-acting elements in promoter regions, these TFs stimulate the production of stress-responsive genes. In-plant abiotic stress responses, the functions of AP2/ERF-type TFs have been described, with a focus on the function and regulation of DRE-bindings.
