NAC2 — Triticum aestivum

Summary

TRAESCS2B02G343600, designated TaNAC2 (also known as NAC4 or TaNAC2-2B), encodes a NAC-domain transcription factor on bread wheat chromosome 2B. The protein possesses sequence-specific DNA binding and homodimerization activities, and localizes to the nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum. In wheat, TaNAC2 is associated with tolerance to cold and salt stress, and is linked to nitrate import and response, endosperm and reproductive structure development, wax anabolism, ethene-mediated signalling, vacuole organization, and positive regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. The gene is also associated with traits including grain protein content, harvest index, ear number, plant height, root weight and volume, anther length, seed germination, and responses to stem rust, stripe rust, drought, and oxidative stress. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, plant architecture, root development, tillering, flowering time, and yield.