WRKY23 — Triticum aestivum

Summary

TRAESCS3A02G280400, designated TaWRKY23 on wheat chromosome 3A, encodes a WRKY-domain transcription factor with sequence-specific DNA-binding and protein homodimerization activity. The gene is associated with biotic stress resistance, including leaf rust resistance, and with regulation of defense responses to bacterial and fungal molecules. It has been linked to melatonin and coumarin anabolism, phenylpropanoid and lignin metabolism, secondary cell wall biogenesis, and gibberellin and abscisic acid signaling pathways, including stomatal movement and leaf senescence. Associations with yield, grain yield, seed germination, salinity tolerance, nitrate uptake, and leaf color have been noted. The product localizes to the nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to disease susceptibility to Magnaporthe oryzae, as well as to root, leaf, senescence, and abiotic and biotic stress responses.