Cloning and function analysis of KcERF from Kandelia obovata

Taking Kandelia obovata in Shenzhen mangrove as material, the full-length cDNA sequence of a transcription factor gene named as cERF(GenBank, Accession No.:GU593721) was cloned, using RACE(Rapid-Amplification of cDNA Ends) technology, in this study. Results of sequence analysis showed that, the full-length of this gene is 873 bp, and encodes a protein containing 290 amino acids. The alignment results showed that this protein contains a cope of typical AP2 DNA binding domain, and a α-helix and three β-pleated sheets in space structure. So this gene is a ERF transcription factor of AP2/EREBP. Subcellular localization analysis manifested that KcERF is located in the nucleus, and encodes protein which has transcriptional activity in yeast. In addition, transgenic Nicotiana tabacum, which contains KcERF, performed tolerance to salt in all aspects, including plant height, leaf area, moisture content, MDA content, soluble sugar content, electrical conductivity and so on. And this implied that this study can provide new gene source for transgenic xerophytic Gossypium spp and forages.