WRKY45 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

OS05G0322900, designated WRKY45 (also known as WRKY45-2 or OsWRKY45-2) on rice chromosome 5, encodes a WRKY domain-containing protein that is a sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factor. The protein localises to the nucleus and is associated with the positive regulation of salicylic acid-mediated signalling, systemic acquired resistance, and defence responses to nematodes and insects. WRKY45 is associated with disease resistance, particularly against Magnaporthe oryzae and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, as well as with abiotic stress tolerance including cold, salt, and drought responses. The gene is linked to yield, grain size, photosynthetic rate, and growth and development traits. It is also associated with proteasome degradation, regulation of brassinosteroid and abscisic acid signalling, stomatal closure, and responses to hydrogen peroxide and ozone. Studies of related genes in other species link the WRKY45 family to drought tolerance.