Transcription factor PagERF110 inhibits leaf development by direct regulating PagHB16 in poplar

Ethylene-responsive factor (ERF) family genes are crucial for plant growth and development. This study analyzed the functional role of the PagERF110 gene in leaf development of Populus alba×P. glandulosa. PagERF110 contains the AP2 conserved domain and exhibits transcriptional activation activity at its C-terminus. Overexpression of PagERF110 in transgenic poplar trees resulted in reduced leaf size, leaf area, and vein xylem thickness. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) experiments confirmed that PagERF110 interacts with PagACD32.1. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that PagERF110 regulates the expression of key genes involved in leaf development. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays, GUS staining, and ChIP experiments collectively confirmed that PagERF110 targets the expression of PagHB16. In summation, our findings demonstrate that PagERF110 functions as a negative regulator in poplar leaf development.