ETV1: ets variant gene 1. Several members of the Ets gene family encode sequence-specific DNA binding proteins that recognize DNA sequences with a centrally located 5′-GGAA-3′ element. All of the Ets proteins recognize the same central core sequence but each protein interacts with unique sequences that flank this core. ER81 (also designated ETV1) binds the motif 5′-CGGAA/T-3′. ER81 is highly expressed in brain, testis, lung and heart. ER81 is also moderately expressed in spleen, pancreas, colon and small intestine. During development, ER81 displays a unique expression patterns which suggests that this transcriptional factor might play an important role in organogenesis. ERK-1 activates ER81 transcriptional activity while MAPKAP kinase 2 inhibits ER81.