The WRKY gene family is a plant-specific transcription factor (TF) that regulates many physiological processes and (a) biotic stress responses. Despite this, little is known about the molecular properties and roles of WRKY TFs in pitaya betalain biosynthesis. Here we report the identification of 70 WRKY in Hylocereus undatus, their gene structure, locations on each chromosome, systematic phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif analysis, and synteny of HuWRKY genes. HmoWRKY42 is a Group IIb WRKY protein and contains a coiled-coil motif, a WRKY domain and a C2H2 zinc-finger motif (CX5CX23HXH). Results from yeast one-hybrid and transient dual-luciferase assays showed that HmoWRKY42 was a transcriptional repressor and could repress HmocDOPA5GT1 expression by binding to its promoter. Yeast two-hybrid assays showed that HmoWRKY42 could interact with itself to form homodimers. Knocking out the coiled-coil motif of HmoWRKY42 prevented its self-interaction and prevented it from binding to the HmocDOPA5GT1 promoter. Knocking out the WRKY domain and C2H2 zinc-finger motif sequence of HmoWRKY42 also prevented it from binding to the HmocDOPA5GT1 promoter. The coiled-coil motif, the WRKY domain and the C2H2 zinc finger motif are key motifs for the binding of HmoWRKY42 to the HmocDOPA5GT1 promoter. HmoWRKY42 is localized in the nucleus and possesses trans-activation ability responsible for pitaya betalain biosynthesis by repressing the transcription of HmocDOPA5GT1. As far as we know, no reports are available on the role of HmoWRKY42 in pitaya betalain biosynthesis. The results provide an important foundation for future analyses of the regulation and functions of the HuWRKY gene family.
Keywords: WRKY transcription factors; betalain biosynthesis; genome-wide identification; pitaya.