Plant disease resistance outputs regulated by AP2/ERF transcription factor family

Abstract

Plants have evolved a complex and elaborate signaling network to respond appropriately to the pathogen invasion by regulating expression of defensive genes through certain transcription factors. The APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) family members have been determined as key regulators in growth, development, and stress responses in plants. Moreover, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated the critical roles of AP2/ERFs in plant disease resistance. In this review, we describe recent advances for the function of AP2/ERFs in defense responses against microbial pathogens. We summarize that AP2/ERFs are involved in plant disease resistance by acting downstream of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, and regulating expression of genes associated with hormonal signaling pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and formation of physical barriers in an MAPK-dependent or -independent manner. The present review provides a multidimensional perspective on the functions of AP2/ERFs in plant disease resistance, which will facilitate the understanding and future investigation on the roles of AP2/ERFs in plant immunity.

Functions of the AP2/ERF family transcription factor AIL7 in immunity against soilborne clubroot pathogen in Arabidopsis

“…Although the majority of studies involving members of this family have focused on abiotic stresses such as cold and drought, recent studies have shown that AP2/ERFs also play an important function in resistance to phytopathogens and insect pests (Nie & Wang, 2023). Indeed, members of the AP2/ERF family recognize GCC boxes and activate or inhibit the expression of PR genes, and may also be involved in hormonal regulation related to defense response (Dong et al, 2015; Feng et al, 2020; He et al, 2001; Krizek et al, 2016; Licausi et al, 2013; Ma et al, 2024; Nie & Wang, 2023; Zhao et al, 2017). However, their functions and associated molecular mechanisms in root-related diseases are largely unknown.…”