Functional genomics in the WRKY transcription factor family: from model systems to crop species and beyond

WRKY transcription factors regulate plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. We reviewed studies of eight well-characterized Arabidopsis WRKY genes and their orthologs in Chinese cabbage, maize, rice, and tomato to assess conservation of stress-response functions. Many WRKY genes showed roles in both stress categories, with some conserved abiotic associations, such as drought response. These findings support crop improvement potential, though cross-species comparisons remain challenging.