Identification and Characterization of the Grape WRKY Family
WRKY transcription factors have functions in plant growth and development and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Many studies have focused on functional identification of WRKY transcription factors, but little is known about the molecular phylogeny or global expression patterns of the complete WRKY family. In this study, we identified 80 WRKY proteins encoded in the grape genome. Based on the structural features of these proteins, the grapeWRKYgenes were classified into three groups (groups 1–3). Analysis ofWRKYgenes expression profiles indicated that 28WRKYgenes were differentially expressed in response to biotic stress caused by grape whiterot and/or salicylic acid (SA). In that 16WRKYgenes upregulated both by whiterot pathogenic bacteria and SA. The results indicated that 16 WRKY proteins participated in SA-dependent defense signal pathway. This study provides a basis for cloning genes with specific functions from grape.