Transcription factor involved in defense responses that functions downstream of RAC1 and upstream of PAL1 and WRKY19 genes. Interacts with LAX1. Localizes mainly in the nucleus. Induced by sphingolipid elicitor and chitin elicitor, and a compatible race of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Phosphorylated by MAPK3 and MAPK6. Belongs to the bHLH protein family.