WRKY Transcription Factors Regulate Phosphate Uptake in Plants

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play key roles in abiotic stress responses in plants. Phosphate (Pi) starvation is among the main challenges plants face; therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plants’ absorption and transport of Pi from the soil is important for optimizing phosphate acquisition efficiency (PAE) in plants. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the research of the complex WRKY TF networks that coordinate Pi acquisition to maintain Pi homeostasis in plants. We also analyzed the transcriptional regulation of these WRKY TFs as well as their functions in plant growth and development processes such as flowering, leaf senescence, and seed germination under phosphate limitation. This review provides a basis for potential guidelines to create plant cultivars with high phosphate uptake and utilization to improve sustainable agricultural and forestry development.