The Maize WRKY Transcription Factor ZmWRKY4 Confers Lead Tolerance by Regulating <i>ZmCAT1</i> Expression.

ABSTRACT: Lead (Pb) severely impairs plant growth, yet the role of WRKY transcription factors in Pb tolerance in maize remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a Pb-responsive WRKY transcription factor, ZmWRKY4, whose transcript levels were rapidly and strongly induced in maize leaves following Pb exposure. Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that overexpression of ZmWRKY4 substantially enhanced Pb tolerance in maize. Transgenic lines exhibited significantly lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced electrolyte leakage than wild-type plants. In addition, ZmWRKY4 overexpression increased catalase (CAT) activity and effectively limited H₂O₂ accumulation. Further analyses revealed that ZmWRKY4 positively regulates ZmCAT1, a key antioxidant g

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12899097 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature