Encodes a member of the PYR (pyrabactin resistance )/PYL(PYR1-like)/RCAR (regulatory components of ABA receptor) family proteins with 14 members. PYR/PYL/RCAR family proteins function as abscisic acid sensors. Mediate ABA-dependent regulation of protein phosphatase 2Cs ABI1 and ABI2. Negative regulation of ABA response as a result of phosphorylation of S136 and S182 sites by AEL1/3/4. phosphorylation of RCAR12 by CARK1 markedly enhances its ABA binding affinity.