Influence of APETALA2/ethylene response factor transcription factors in the response to abiotic stress in plants

Abstract

As sessile organisms, plants are constantly exposed to adverse abiotic conditions that threaten their survival and productivity. The APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factors play a central role in regulating gene expression associated with plant developmental processes and adaptation to abiotic stress conditions. This family is classified into five main subfamilies (AP2, DREB, ERF, RAV, and Soloist), with the ERF and DREB subfamilies being the most relevant in response to environmental stress. In addition to their role in gene regulation, AP2/ERF transcription factors are involved in interactions with key hormones such as abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellins, auxins, and ethylene, helping to maintain hormonal homeostasis under adverse conditions. Their expression varies depending on the tissue and developmental stage, enabling specific adaptive responses in different plant organs. Studies have shown that plants with altered expression of these factors exhibit significant morphological changes, such as enhanced root systems, under stress conditions. This review highlights the importance of further investigating the complex regulatory networks in which AP2/ERF transcription factors participate, particularly their interactions with hormonal pathways and target genes, emphasizing the need to extend these studies beyond model crops to better understand the diversity and evolution of this family in abiotic stress adaptation.