Genome-Wide Expression Profiling of Superfamily Genes during Infection with pv. Using Real-Time PCR.

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are involved in regulating a range of biological processes such as growth, development, and the responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Genome-wide expression profiling of TF superfamily genes in rice after infection with pv. () was performed to elucidate the function of OsWRKY TFs in the interaction between rice and . Of the 111 TF genes tested, the transcription of 94 genes changed after infection. The TF genes were classified into eight types according to their expression profiles. Eighty-two genes in Groups I, II, III, IV, VII were up-regulated after exposure to a compatible or an incompatible race of . Examination of salicylic acid (SA)-deficient rice lines revealed that SA was involved in Xa1-mediated resistance to infection. TF genes involved in Xa1-mediated resistance were classified according to their SA-dependent or -independent expression. In SA-deficient rice, the expression of 12 of 57 OsWRKY TF genes involved in Xa1-mediated resistance was compromised. Of these six OsWRKY TF genes were induced by SA. , an example of a gene possibly involved in SA-dependent Xa1-mediated resistance, activated defense related genes and increased resistance to . Thus, expression profiling of TF genes may help predict the functions of TF genes involved in Xa1-mediated resistance.