Multiple roles of NAC transcription factors in plant development and stress responses

NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) transcription factors (TFs) are a family of plant-specific TFs that play crucial roles in various aspects of plant development and stress responses. Here, we provide an in-depth review of the structural characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functional roles of NACs in different plant species. One of the key features of NACs is their ability to regulate gene expression through a variety of mechanisms, including binding to DNA sequences in the promoter regions of target genes, interacting with other TFs, and modulating chromatin structure. We discuss these mechanisms in detail, providing insights into the complex regulatory networks that govern the activity of NACs. We explore the diverse functions of these TFs in plant growth and development processes, including embryogenesis, seed development, root and shoot development, floral development and fruit ripening, secondary cell wall formation, and senescence. We also discuss the diverse regulatory roles of NACs in response to various stresses, including drought, flooding, heat, cold, salinity, nutrient deficit, and diseases. Lastly, we emphasize the crosstalk role of NACs between developmental processes and stress responses. This integrated perspective highlights how NACs orchestrate plant growth and resilience. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the pivotal roles of NACs in plant development and stress responses, emphasizing their potential for engineering stress-resistant crops and enhancing agricultural productivity.