Transcription factor acting as a positive regulator in the ethylene response pathway, by promoting histone acetylation in an ENAP1-dependent manner, thus accelerating the expression of ethylene-responsive genes (PubMed:28874528). Binds DNA (PubMed:26352699). Is required for ethylene responsiveness in adult plant tissues. Binds a primary ethylene response element present in the ETHYLENE-RESPONSE-FACTOR1 promoter with consequence to activate the transcription of this gene. Activated by phosphorylation by MPK3 and MPK6 (PubMed:18273012). Down-regulated by KIN10 that controls its protein stability under a phosphorylation-dependent manner (PubMed:28600557). Satnilitzed during hypoxia (e.g. submergences) via a ceramides-triggered and CTR1-dependent manner (PubMed:25822663). Acts as homodimer to bind the primary ethylene response element. Interacts with TAF12B. Interacts with KIN10 (PubMed:28600557). Binds to ENAP1 in the presence of ethylene; this reaction facilitates its association with histone (PubMed:27694846, PubMed:28874528). Accumuates upon hypoxia (e.g. submergences). Phosphorylated by KIN10. Loss-of-function mutations (ein3-1 and ein3-2) in the gene lead to the suppression of ethylene-mediated effects including gene expression, the triple response, cell growth inhibition, and accelerated senescence. Belongs to the EIN3 family.