WRKYs as regulatory hubs of secondary metabolic network: diverse inducers and distinct responses

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) are widely investigated for their roles in stress responses and plant development. Nevertheless, recent studies have revealed that WRKY TFs also exert important functions in plant secondary metabolic regulatory network, which are highly associated with crop resistance and quality. In this review, we comprehensively summarize how WRKYs are induced by multiple developmental and environmental cues, mediating distinct responses to regulate biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and glucosinolates. We also demonstrate multi-layered modulation of WRKYs, focusing on epigenetic regulation and post-translational modifications, highlighting the central role of WRKYs in plant secondary metabolic network as a regulatory hub. Finally, we suggest potential avenues for future research and agricultural application.