Abstract
WRK encodes a LRR receptor-like protein kinase and the transcript is accumulated transiently within 15 min after wounding. We have reported that the protein kinase domain of WRK exhibited autophospholylation activity.
An analysis of GFP fusion protein with WRK indicated that WRK is localized in the plasma membrane. To investigate the role of WRK, we generated tobacco plants with reduced the accumulation of WRK transcript by RNAi method. In transgenic plants, wound-induced accumulation of basic PR-1 and PI-II genes and enzymatic activation of SIPK and WIPK were suppressed. It is indicated that JA (jasmonic acid)-mediated signal transduction is inhibited in transgenic plants because JA-induced accumulation of basic PR transcript was not suppressed. Actually, the JA level in transgenic plants was reduced to 1/2~1/3 in comparison with control plants. These results suggest involvement of WRK in wound signal transduction pathway.
