The regulates tanshinone biosynthesis in hairy root.

The ethylene response factor family genes are involved in the regulation of secondary metabolism in , but the mechanism underlying this regulation remains elusive. In the present study, based on the cDNA library of , an gene was cloned and named . This gene exhibited a significant response to exogenous ethylene supply, such that ethylene remarkably upregulated expression levels in the leaves of . Subcellular localization showed that is located in the nucleus. Furthermore, showed a binding affinity with a GCC-box motif in the promoter region of genes associated with tanshinone biosynthesis in . Overexpression of in hairy roots of substantially upregulated and expression levels, resulting in increased biosynthesis of tanshinone I and cryptotanshinone contents. This finding provides valuable theoretical support for the utilization of a plant genetic engineering strategy to enhance resources.