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). Expressed in roots, mostly in root tip, lateral root tips, cortex and vascular tissues. Strongly and quickly induced by ethylene. 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 ERF3 but it corresponds to Arabidopsis ERF4.