The ERF-VII transcription factor AvERF75 positively regulates the waterlogging tolerance by interacting with AvLOB41 in kiwifruit (Actinidia valvata)

The ethylene-responsive VII (ERF-VII) transcription factors are crucial in regulating plant waterlogging tolerance. However, the positive role of ERF-VII genes in kiwifruit waterlogging tolerance is rarely reported. In this study, we cloned the AvERF75 gene from the waterlogging-tolerant genotype KR5 (Actinidia valvata) and explored its roles in response to waterlogging stress. Subcellular localization showed AvERF75 protein was localized in cytoplasm and nucleus, and transactivation assays indicated it exhibited transactivation activity. Overexpression of AvERF75 significantly improved the waterlogging tolerance of transgenic plants (both tobacco and kiwifruit) by scavenging ROS. furthermore, we identified AvLOB41 as an interacting partner of AvERF75 protein by Y2H screening and BiFC assay. Taken together, this study confirms the positive role of AvERF75 in regulating waterlogging tolerance and reveals a new regulatory network in response to waterlogging stress.