WRKY41 — Oryza sativa Japonica

Summary

Os09g0334500, designated WRKY74 (also known as WRKY41 and WRKY53) on rice chromosome 9, encodes a WRKY-domain transcription factor with DNA-binding, transcription factor activity, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, and calcium ion binding. In rice, WRKY74 is associated with phosphate and iron homeostasis, stress, cold stress tolerance, and nitrogen metabolism. It is linked to root system development, root meristem growth, positive regulation of leaf senescence, defense response to nematode, and regulation of defense response to insect. The gene is also associated with seed length, grain shape, seed weight, tiller number, plant height, leaf angle, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, flowering time, and tolerance to chilling, high temperature, aluminum, and oxidative stress. Related genes in other species link the family to salicylic acid signaling, disease resistance, and glucosinolate breakdown.