The sesame SiERF054 enhances drought resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana by modulating growth, oxidation response, and expression of stress-responsive genes

Ethylene-responsive element-binding factor (ERF) transcription factors play crucial roles in plant responses to abiotic stresses. SiERF054 has been identified as a stress-responsive ERF gene in sesame (Sesamum indicum), yet its biological function remains largely unexplored. Here, we functionally characterized mechanisms involved in SiERF054 regulation of drought tolerance through overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana, transcriptome profiling, and yeast-based assays. SiERF054 exhibited transcriptional activation activity and showed preferential expression in sesame roots. Overexpression of SiERF054 significantly enhanced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis, as reflected by improved root growth, biomass accumulation, survival rate, and reduced water loss. Under drought stress, transgenic plants displayed elevated activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, accompanied by decreased levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant enrichment of jasmonic acid- and MAPK-related signaling pathways in SiERF054-overexpressing lines. Furthermore, two downstream genes, LOC105157916 and LOC105160017, containing DRE-core cis-elements, were identified as direct targets of SiERF054. These findings suggest that SiERF054 functions as a positive regulator of drought tolerance by modulating antioxidant capacity and the expression of key stress-responsive genes, providing molecular insights into its potential application in improving drought resistance in sesame.