{Reference Type}: Journal Article {Title}: TaMYB44-5A reduces drought tolerance by repressing transcription of TaRD22-3A in the abscisic acid signaling pathway. {Author}: Peng ;Li L;Wei A;Zhou L;Wang B;Liu M;Lei Y;Xie Y;Li X; {Journal}: Planta {Volume}: 260 {Issue}: 2 {Year}: 2024 Jul 13 {Factor}: 4.54 {DOI}: 10.1007/s00425-024-04485-0 {Abstract}: CONCLUSIONS: TaMYB44-5A identified as a transcription factor negatively regulates drought tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis. Drought can severely reduce yields throughout the wheat-growing season. Many studies have shown that R2R3-MYB transcription factors are involved in drought stress responses. In this study, the R2R3-MYB transcription factor MYB44-5A was identified in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and functionally analyzed. Three homologs of TaMYB44 were isolated, all of which localized to the nucleus. Overexpression of TaMYB44-5A reduced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. Further analysis showed that TaMYB44-5A reduced the sensitivity of transgenic Arabidopsis to ABA. Genetic and transcriptional regulation analyses demonstrated that the expression levels of drought- and ABA-responsive genes were downregulated by TaMYB44-5A, and TaMYB44-5A directly bound to the MYB-binding site on the promoter to repress the transcription level of TaRD22-3A. Our results provide insights into a novel molecular pathway in which the R2R3-MYB transcription factor negatively regulates ABA signaling in response to drought stress.