Over-expression transcription factor ERF1 promotes seed germination by enhancing mitochondrial function.
Changliang Chen1, Yupeng Cao1, Wenbo Kai1
1Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No.12 Zhongguancun South St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
Plant Cell Reports
|April 28, 2026
Summary
ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 1 (ERF1) enhances seed germination by improving mitochondrial function. ERF1 fine-tunes reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and suppresses ABA signaling, crucial for plant development and crop productivity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Seed germination is vital for plant life cycles and crop yields.
- Mitochondria are critical for providing energy during seed germination.
- The precise mechanisms by which mitochondria regulate seed germination are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 1 (ERF1) in regulating seed germination.
- To elucidate how ERF1 influences mitochondrial function and ROS homeostasis.
- To understand ERF1's impact on ABA signaling during germination.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis
- Physiological and biochemical characterization
- Germination assays
- Analysis of mitochondrial retrograde signaling (MRS) pathway
Main Results:
- Overexpression of ERF1 enhanced mitochondrial function, leading to reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation.
- ERF1 promoted seed germination by strengthening mitochondrial activity.
- ERF1 suppressed the ABA signaling pathway via inhibition of MRS, downregulating RBOHD and increasing sugar supply.
Conclusions:
- ERF1 is a key regulator that promotes seed germination by optimizing mitochondrial function.
- ERF1 modulates ROS homeostasis and suppresses ABA signaling through mitochondrial pathways.
- This research offers insights for improving seed germination in crops.
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