Identification of genes encoding receptor-like protein kinases as possible targets of pathogen- and salicylic acid-induced WRKY DNA-binding proteins in Arabidopsis

To understand how plant host genes are regulated during the activation of plant defence responses, we are studying a group of pathogen- and salicylic acid (SA)-induced DNA-binding proteins containing the novel WRKY domain. To identify downstream target genes of these WRKY proteins, we have searched the Arabidopsis genome and identified four closely linked genes on chromosome IV that contain an unusually large number of the W-box sequences [(T)TGAC(C/T)] recognized by WRKY proteins within a few hundred base pairs upstream of their coding regions. All four genes encode proteins characteristic of receptor-like protein kinases (RLK), each consisting of an N-terminal signal sequence, an extracellular receptor domain, a single transmembrane domain and a C-terminal cytoplasmic serine/threonine protein kinase domain. All four RLK genes were induced by treatment with SA or infection by a bacterial pathogen. Studies with one of the RLK genes (RLK4) indicated that a cluster of W-box elements in its promoter region were recognized by both purified WRKY proteins and SA-induced W-box binding activities from SA-treated Arabidopsis plants. Further analysis using the RLK4 gene promoter fused to a reporter gene in transgenic Arabidopsis indicated that the consensus WRKY protein-binding sites in the RLK4 gene promoter were important for the inducible expression of the reporter gene. These results indicate that pathogen- and SA-induced W-box binding proteins regulate not only genes encoding defence proteins with direct or indirect anti-microbial activities, but also genes encoding proteins with regulatory functions.     

Isolation and characterization of two pathogen- and salicylic acid-induced genes encoding WRKY DNA-binding proteins from tobacco

A pathogen- and salicylic acid (SA)-induced DNA-binding activity has been recently identified in tobacco that is related to a previously identified class of WRKY DNA-binding proteins. To identify members of the WRKY gene family associated with this DNA-binding activity, we have attempted to isolate those WRKY genes that are induced by pathogen infection. Using a domain-specific differential display procedure, we have isolated two tobacco WRKY genes, tWRKY3 and tWRKY4, that are rapidly induced in resistant tobacco plants after infection by tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Both tWRK3 and tWRKY4 encode proteins with a single WRKY domain that contain the conserved WRKYGQK sequence. Unlike other isolated WRKY proteins that contain the Cys₂His₂ zinc motif, tWRKY3 and tWRKY4 appear to contain the Cys₂HisCys zinc motif. Nonetheless, both tWRKY3 and tWRKY4 are capable of binding DNA molecules with the W-box (TTGAC) element recognized by other WRKY proteins. Expression of the tWRKY3 and tWRKY4 genes could be rapidly induced not only by TMV infection but also by SA or its biologically active analogues that are capable of inducing pathogenesis-related genes and enhanced resistance. Interestingly, induction of both genes by TMV infection was still observed in resistant tobacco plants expressing the bacterial salicylate hydroxylase gene (nahG), although the levels of induction appeared to be reduced. Identification of pathogen- and SA-induced genes encoding WRKY DNA-binding proteins should facilitate future studies on the regulation and functions of this novel group of DNA-binding proteins.     

Evidence for an Important Role of WRKY DNA Binding Proteins in the Regulation of NPR1 Gene Expression

The Arabidopsis NPR1 gene is a positive regulator of inducible plant disease resistance. Expression of NPR1 is induced by pathogen infection or treatment with defense-inducing compounds such as salicylic acid (SA). Transgenic plants overexpressing NPR1 exhibit enhanced resistance to a broad spectrum of microbial pathogens, whereas plants underexpressing the gene are more susceptible to pathogen infection. These results suggest that regulation of NPR1 gene expression is important for the activation of plant defense responses. In the present study, we report the identification of W-box sequences in the promoter region of the NPR1 gene that are recognized specifically by SA-induced WRKY DNA binding proteins from Arabidopsis. Mutations in these W-box sequences abolished their recognition by WRKY DNA binding proteins, rendered the promoter unable to activate a downstream reporter gene, and compromised the ability of NPR1 to complement npr1 mutants for SA-induced defense gene expression and disease resistance. These results provide strong evidence that certain WRKY genes act upstream of NPR1 and positively regulate its expression during the activation of plant defense responses. Consistent with this model, we found that SA-induced expression of a number of WRKY genes was independent of NPR1.     

WRKY转录因子功能的多样化

WRKY是植物中一类重要的转录因子家族,其共同的特点是含有高度保守的核心氨基酸序列WRKYGQK,在C-末端有一个锌指结构。WRKY受到病原菌、损伤、SA(salicylic acid)等因子的诱导后表达,特异性识别(T)(T)TGAC(C/T)序列(W-box),调节基因的表达而参与许多生理过程,如抗病、损伤、生长发育以及衰老等。该文主要介绍了WRKY的结构特点及其功能的研究进展。     

植物WRKY 转录因子家族研究进展

WRKY是植物特有的一类转录因子家族,因含有由WRKYGQK 7个氨基酸组成的保守序列而得名,在拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)中共发现了74个成员。WRKY蛋白能与TTGAC序列（又称W-box）专一结合调节基因转录,其表达主要受病原菌、损伤和信号分子SA的诱导。除主要与植物的抗逆反应和衰老有关外,WRKY也参与植物其他发育和代谢的调控。在植物的抗逆反应过程中,WRKY的表达通常发生在诱导的早期,且不需要蛋白质的重新合成。     

植物WRKY转录因子家族研究进展

WRKY是植物特有的一类转录因子家族,因含有由WRKYGQK 7个氨基酸组成的保守序列而得名,在拟南芥(Arabidopsis thaliana)中共发现了74个成员.WRKY蛋白能与TTGAC序列(又称W-box)专一结合调节基因转录,其表达主要受病原菌、损伤和信号分子SA的诱导.除主要与植物的抗逆反应和衰老有关外,WRKY也参与植物其他发育和代谢的调控.在植物的抗逆反应过程中,WRKY的表达通常发生在诱导的早期,且不需要蛋白质的重新合成.