Transcription factor that binds to the GCC-box pathogenesis-related promoter element. Involved in the regulation of gene expression by stress factors and by components of stress signal transduction pathways. Probably acts as a transcriptional repressor and may regulate other AtERFs (By similarity). The AP2/ERF domain binds specifically to the 5'-GCCGCC-3' motif. The affinity of this binding is higher if the seventh amino-acid of this domain is basic (By similarity). Contains a slightly degenerated ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif, which may be involved in the activity of transcriptional repression. Belongs to the ethylene-response factor family. Class 2 subfamily. Was named ERF5 but it corresponds to Arabidopsis ERF3.