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Published on: October 22, 2018
The NAC17-PUB30 module enhances drought stress tolerance by regulating adventitious root development in apple
Bingyang Du1, Xiang Zhang1, Yuqin Xiao1
1Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Plant Physiology
|July 10, 2026
Summary
This study reveals NAC transcription factor 17 (NAC17) as crucial for apple drought tolerance. Its regulation impacts root development and auxin balance, offering targets for breeding resilient apple rootstocks.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Rootstocks significantly impact apple tree growth and stress tolerance.
- NAC transcription factors are key regulators of plant stress responses.
- Understanding differential drought resistance mechanisms in apple rootstocks is vital for agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize NAC transcription factors involved in differential drought resistance in apple rootstocks.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which NAC17 regulates drought tolerance.
- To investigate the upstream regulators and downstream targets of NAC17 in controlling drought response.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis of NAC17 in contrasting apple rootstocks under drought stress.
- Functional analysis of MsNAC17 using transgenic apple rootstock (M26) overexpressing or silenced for the gene.
- Identification of downstream targets (MdLBD64, MdYUCCA11) and interacting proteins (MdPUB30).
- Investigation of upstream regulatory pathways involving MYB47 and bZIP46.
Main Results:
- NAC transcription factor 17 (NAC17) showed contrasting expression patterns in drought-resistant (Malus sieversii) versus drought-sensitive (M26) rootstocks.
- Overexpression of MsNAC17 in M26 enhanced drought resistance and promoted adventitious root development.
- MsNAC17 directly regulates root development and auxin biosynthesis genes (MdLBD64, MdYUCCA11).
- The E3 ubiquitin ligase MdPUB30 negatively regulates MsNAC17 stability.
- Differential upstream regulation by MYB47 and bZIP46 contributes to contrasting drought responses.
Conclusions:
- The NAC17-PUB30 module is a central regulator of drought tolerance in apple rootstocks.
- This module coordinates root architecture and auxin homeostasis for improved stress resilience.
- Identified molecular targets provide avenues for breeding drought-resistant apple varieties.
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