WRKYs as regulatory hubs of secondary metabolic networks: Diverse inducers and distinct responses.

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) have been widely investigated for their roles in stress responses and plant development. Nevertheless, recent studies have revealed that WRKY TFs also exert important functions in the regulation of plant secondary metabolic networks, which are closely associated with crop resistance and quality. In this review, we comprehensively summarize how WRKYs are activated by various developmental and environmental cues to mediate distinct regulatory responses that control the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and glucosinolates. We also examine the multi-layered modulation mediated by WRKYs, focusing on epigenetic regulation and post-translational modifications and highlighting their roles as regulatory hubs in secondary metabolism. Finally, we propose future research directions and discuss potential agricultural applications.