Abstract

ERFs (Ethylene-Responsive Element Binding Factors) are members of a transcription factors family unique to plants. They contain a well-conserved segment, which interacts specifically with sequences containing AGCCGCC motifs (GCC box) located in the promoter region of genes activated during biotic or environmental stress in plants. A cDNA corresponding to an ERF gene has been isolated from a Coffea canephora fruit cDNA library. The cDNA was 1,317 nucleotides long and has an open reading frame of 987 bp. The predicted polypeptide showed a great similitude with equivalent proteins from others plant species. The binding domain shows 98.3% identity in amino acids sequence with Lycopersicon esculentum ERF. This transcription factor may possibly be involved in differential cell growth or in fruit ripening process. Although it was not possible to isolate it from a leaf cDNA library, its presence in such library was confirmed.

Key words: Ethylene, coffee, Coffea canephora, transcription factor, ERF.