Functional characterization of MdERF113 in apple.

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The AP2/ERF family of transcription factors regulates plant growth and stress responses.
• The specific function of RAP2.6L homologs in apples (Malus domestica) remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function of MdERF113, an apple homolog of Arabidopsis AtRAP2.6L, in response to abiotic stresses.
• To analyze its expression patterns, subcellular localization, and role in plant stress tolerance.

Main Methods:

• Bioinformatic characterization of MdERF113.
• Gene expression analysis under various conditions.
• Subcellular localization assays and yeast-based transactivation assays.

Main Results:

• MdERF113 showed high expression in apple sarcocarp and responded to hormonal and abiotic stress signals.
• Overexpression of MdERF113 in apple calli conferred reduced sensitivity to low temperature, drought, salinity, and abscisic acid.
• MdERF113 was localized to the nucleus and lacked autonomous transcriptional activation activity.

Conclusions:

• MdERF113 functions as a nuclear transcription factor in apples.
• It plays a significant role in mediating plant growth and stress tolerance under abiotic conditions.