Probable transcriptional activator that may be involved in defense signaling pathway. Binds in vitro to the DNA sequence 5'-AGCCGCC-3' of the GCC-box element found in pathogenesis-related (PR) gene promoters. The transcriptional activation is enhanced in vitro by the presence of MPK12/BWMK1. Interacts with MPK12/BWMK1. 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). Phosphorylated in vitro by MPK12/BWMK1. Belongs to the ethylene-response factor family. Class 1 subfamily.