Research Advances on WRKY Transcription Factors

doi:10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2017-0703

Abstract

Abstract: WRKYs is one of the largest transcription factor families（TFs）in higher plants. It has a special structure of WRKY domain,which allows WRKY transcription factors to have different transcriptional regulatory functions. WRKY TFs can regulate their stress responses not only by regulating the plant hormone signal transduction pathways,also by activating or inhibiting the expressions of downstream genes while binding to the W-box（TGACC（A/T））in the target gene promoter. In addition,WRKY protein can regulate plant defense responses to various stresses not only by interacting with other TFs,also by self-regulation while identifying and combining the W-box in its own target gene. Therefore,WRKY TFs play important roles in the responses of plants to biological and abiotic stresses. However,the current research on the regulatory roles of WRKY TFs in higher plants is rare and simple in recent years. In order to provide theoretical reference and ideas for future research on WRKY TFs,here we mainly summarized the structural features and classification of WRKY TFs,the roles in plant biological and abiotic stresses,and the regulations to various stresses via hormone signal transduction pathway,MAPK signal cascade and self-regulation.

Key words: WRKY transcription factor, network control, stress

ZHANG Fan, YIN Jun-long, GUO Ying-qi, YUE Yan-ling. Research Advances on WRKY Transcription Factors[J]. Biotechnology Bulletin, 2018, 34(1): 40-48.

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