Abstract
CMeACS2 is a key enzyme in the ethylene biosynthesis pathway in melon. We characterized three melon AP2/ERF transcription factors (CMeERF1, CMeERF2 and CMeDREB1), which were isolated by a yeast one-hybrid screening method using a GCCGAC sequence (DRE/CRT cis-acting element) in the CMeACS2 promoter.
To analyze the function of these transcription factors, we made the Arabidopsis plants overexpressing CMeERF1, CMeERF2 and CMeDREB1, respectively. Moreover, we analyzed the role of common N-terminal domain in Class4 transcription factors including CMeERF2.
Cor15a and Rd29a, KIN1 genes, which respond to various stresses, were increased in CMeERF2- and CMeDREB1-overexpressing plant, respectively. The expression of some ACS and ACO were also induced. These transcription factors may influence not only the stress response but also the ethylene biosynthesis. The deletion of common N-terminal domain of CMeERF2 decreased its transcriptional activity, and it was suggested that common N-terminal domains were important.
