WRKY protein domain

WRKY Protein Domain

Structure of a WRKY domain bound to DNA.

The WRKY protein domain is a highly conserved protein domain found in a large family of transcription factors that play crucial roles in the regulation of various biological processes in plants. These processes include plant development, senescence, and responses to biotic and abiotic stress.

Structure

The WRKY domain is characterized by a conserved amino acid sequence motif, WRKYGQK, followed by a zinc finger motif. This domain typically binds to the W-box (TTGACC/T) in the promoter regions of target genes. The structure of the WRKY domain, as shown in the image, reveals how it interacts with DNA, highlighting its role in gene regulation.

Function

WRKY transcription factors are involved in the regulation of gene expression in response to various environmental stimuli. They are key players in the signal transduction pathways that mediate plant responses to pathogen attack, drought, salinity, and other stresses. WRKY proteins can act as both activators and repressors of transcription, depending on the context and the specific genes they regulate.

Evolution

The WRKY domain is believed to have evolved early in the plant lineage, and it is found in a wide range of plant species, from mosses to flowering plants. The expansion and diversification of the WRKY gene family are thought to have contributed to the complexity of plant regulatory networks and their ability to adapt to diverse environments.

Related pages

• Transcription factor
• Zinc finger
• Gene expression
• Signal transduction