WRKY53 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

OsWRKY53 (Os05g0343400) on rice chromosome 5 encodes a WRKY-domain transcription factor with sequence-specific DNA-binding and protein homodimerization activity, localised to the nucleus. In rice, this gene is associated with defence responses, including resistance to blast and brown planthopper, and with wounding, jasmonic acid, ethylene, and brassinosteroid signalling. It is linked to plant architecture traits such as erect leaves, stem and vascular bundle development, and to grain size, grain yield, and seed germination. Associations also include leaf senescence, chlorophyll breakdown, and responses to abscisic acid, gibberellin, and chitin. Additional connections to cold tolerance, drought tolerance, salinity tolerance, and grain yield under cold stress have been reported. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to heat tolerance and drought resistance.