Transcription factor acting as a positive regulator in the ethylene response pathway (PubMed:16786297, PubMed:28829777, PubMed:27701783, PubMed:25995326). Required for the inhibition of root growth by ethylene in etiolated seedlings (PubMed:25995326, PubMed:28829777). Functions upstream of the auxin biosynthetic gene YUCCA8 and directly activates its expression (PubMed:28829777). Functions downstream of the ethylene signaling factor EIN2 in disease resistance against the rice blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae) (PubMed:27701783). Binds directly to the promoters of the NADPH oxidases RBOHA and RBOHB, and the jasmonate biosynthetic gene OPR4 to activate their expression during fungal infection (PubMed:27701783). May enhance disease resistance by facilitating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and jasmonate biosynthesis with subsequent phytoalexin accumulation during Magnaporthe oryzae infection (PubMed:27701783). Acts as negative regulator of salt tolerance (PubMed:25995326). During salt stress, activates the cation transporter HKT1, which mediates increased sodium uptake in roots, and contributes to sodium accumulation and salt toxicity (PubMed:25995326). Binds directly to the DNA sequence 5'-TGTTACAAATACC-3' in the promoter of the GA20OX2 gene to activate its expression at the transcriptional level during ethylene signaling (PubMed:30002253). Possesses transactivation activity in protoplasts (PubMed:25995326). Expressed in roots, leaf blades, leaf sheaths, stems, internodes, anthers of young flowers, and developing grains. Induced by infection with the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. Insensitive to ethylene-induced root growth inhibition. Plants overexpressing EIL1 exhibit short root, coiled primary root, short shoot phenotype, and elevated response to exogenous ethylene (PubMed:16786297, PubMed:25995326). Plants overexpressing EIL1 exhibit resistance to the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae (PubMed:27701783). 'Mao huzi' means cat whiskers in Chinese (Probable). Belongs to the EIN3 family. Truncated N-terminus.