**5. Conclusions**

In this study, using RNA-Seq, we identified 62 *GmWRKY* genes in the soybean genome that were differently expressed in six different tissues under normal condition. Seven GmWRKYs responded to both drought and salt treatment. Based on the qRT-PCR, GmWRKY12, a nucleus protein of 237 amino acids, belonging to WRKY Group II was identified. It was responsive to salt, drought and exogenous hormones ABA and SA. Results of Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy roots assay showed that overexpressing *GmWRKY12* may improve tolerance to drought and salt in soybean. These results provided new insight into the roles of soybean WRKY genes in abiotic stress responses.
