Selection And Functional Analysis Of Arabidopsis ERF Transcription Factor Gene In Response To Salt Stress

Ethylene response factor (ERF) family belong to AP2/ERF transcription factor superfamily and contains a conserved AP2/ERF domain. According to characteristics of the AP2/ERF domain can be further divided into two subtypes:DREB and ERF. ERF transcription factors play an important role in plant growth and development and responses to abiotic stresses. In the present study, the cDNA sequence of 122 ERF gene family members were obtained from Arabidopsis database. The characteristics of AP2/ERF domain, evolution of ERF transcription factors, the physical and chemical properties were analysed using bioinformatics. The 122 ERF genes in response to salt stress were identified by RT-qPCR. The gene function of AT1G43160 and AT5G64750 were characterized through genetically modification. The results are as follows:Under salt stress, among 122 Arabidopsis ERF transcription factor genes,36 genes were up-regulated,42 genes were down regulated, and 44 genes were unchanged. Gene expression pattern analysis on 15 candidated genes showed that ERF gene expression level with the stress time prolonged and increased significantly, at 36 h time point to is the highest, then the expression level was gradually reduced.The cDNAs of AT1G43160 and AT5G64750 gene were Cloned, the plant expression vectors were constructed, transgenic Arabidopsis AtERF#108 and AtERF#111 over expressing AT1G43160 and AT5G64750 gene, and transgenic Arabidopsis AtERF#108F and AtERF#WF inhibit expressing AT1G43160 and AT5G64750 gene were cultured by the floral dip method. Under 150 mM NaCl,4μM ABA,250 mM mannitol conditions The growth traits and the physiological indexes of transgenic Arabidopsis were detected, results showed that the transgenic Arabidopsis AtERF#108 and AtERF#111 over expressing AT1G43160 and AT5G64750 gene had a larger seed germination rate, fresh weight and root length than that of wild type Arabidopsis thaliana and transgenic Arabidopsis inhibit expressing AT1G43160 and AT5G64750 gene. DAB staining and NBT staining showed that the transgenic Arabidopsis AtERF#108 and AtERF#111 over expressing AT1G43160 and AT5G64750 gene had a lower hydrogen peroxide and active oxygen content than that of wild type Arabidopsis thaliana and transgenic Arabidopsis inhibit expressing AT1G43160 and AT5G64750 gene.