[Functions of NAC transcription factors in biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants]

NAC transcription factors belong to a unique class of transcription factors in plants. The common characteristics of the NAC proteins are the presence of a conserved NAC domain, comprising of about 150 amino acids in N-terminals and a highly variable transcriptional regulation region in C-terminals. Extensive studies have revealed that NAC transcription factors not only play important roles in plant growth and development, but also have functions in regulation of responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this minireview, we summarized the functions and mechanisms of the NAC transcriptional factors in plant abiotic and biotic stress responses. We also discussed future directions towards understanding the biological functions of the members of the NAC transcriptional factors in plants.