One mechanism for determining WRKY binding activity is by protein-protein interactions. WRKY transcription factors have been found to interact with a variety of proteins, some of which occur by a group specific manner. Recent evidence suggests that VQ protein family is an important regulator of group I and group IIc WRKY transcription factors.Cheng, Zhou, Yang, Chi, Zhou, et al. (2012) Structural and Functional Analysis of VQ Motif-Containing Proteins in Arabidopsis as Interacting Proteins of WRKY Transcription Factors. Plant Physiology. 159(2). 810-825 VQ proteins appear to bind the WRKY domain, thus inhibiting protein-DNA interactions. At least one WRKY transcription factor, Arabidopsis WRKY57, interacts with jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) and auxin/indole acetic acid (AUX/IAA) repressor of the jasmonate and auxin signaling cascade, respectively, indicating a point of crosstalk between these phytohormones.Jiang, Liang, Yang and Yu (2014) Arabidopsis WRKY57 Functions as a Node of Convergence for Jasmonic Acid– and Auxin-Mediated Signaling in Jasmonic Acid–Induced Leaf Senescence. The Plant Cell. 26(1). 230-245 Other WRKYs interact with histone deacetylases.Kim, Lai, Fan and Chen (2008) Arabidopsis WRKY38 and WRKY62 Transcription Factors Interact with Histone Deacetylase 19 in Basal Defense. The Plant Cell. 20(9). 2357-2371 Group IIa WRKY factors form homodimers and heterodimers within the subgroup and with other group II subgroups.Xu, Chen, Fan and Chen (2006) Physical and Functional Interactions between Pathogen-Induced Arabidopsis WRKY18, WRKY40, and WRKY60 Transcription Factors. The Plant Cell Online. 18(5). 1310-1326 Group IId WRKY transcription factors typically possess a domain allowing interaction with calcium bound calmodulin.Park, Lee, Yoo, Moon, Choi, et al. (2005) WRKY group IId transcription factors interact with calmodulin. FEBS Letters. 579(6). 1545-1550
