EXB1 — Triticum aestivum

Summary

TaEXB1 (TRAESCS5B02G399900) on wheat chromosome 5B encodes a WRKY transcription factor with sequence-specific DNA-binding activity, localizing to both the nucleus and cytoplasm. In bread wheat, it is associated with leaf rust resistance. The gene is linked to diverse biological processes including positive regulation of transcription initiation, responses to cyclopentenone and hydrogen peroxide, cellular sodium and potassium ion homeostasis, abscisic acid-mediated stomatal movement, gibberellin metabolism, jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent systemic resistance, and both positive and negative regulation of leaf senescence. It also connects to callus formation, herbicide response, auxin polar transport, cell fate specification, and antifungal innate immune responses. Associations with grain size, flowering time, root development, salt response, stripe rust, and various stress tolerances have been noted. Studies of related genes in other species link this gene family to pathogen resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, seed dormancy, and hormone signaling.