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AtNAP, a NAC family transcription factor, has an important role in leaf senescence
Author(s) -
Guo Yongfeng,
Gan Susheng
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the plant journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.058
H-Index - 269
eISSN - 1365-313X
pISSN - 0960-7412
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2006.02723.x
Subject(s) - senescence , arabidopsis , biology , gene , mutant , rosette (schizont appearance) , transcription factor , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , phenotype , gene expression , gene family , immunology
Summary Leaf senescence is a unique developmental process that is characterized by massive programmed cell death and nutrient recycling. The underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report the functional analysis of AtNAP , a gene encoding a NAC family transcription factor. Expression of this gene is closely associated with the senescence process of Arabidopsis rosette leaves. Leaf senescence in two T‐DNA insertion lines of this gene is significantly delayed. The T‐DNA knockout plants are otherwise normal. The mutant phenotype can be restored to wild‐type by the intact AtNAP , as well as by its homologs in rice and kidney bean plants that are also upregulated during leaf senescence. Furthermore, inducible overexpression of AtNAP causes precocious senescence. These data strongly suggest that At NAP and its homologs play an important role in leaf senescence in Arabidopsis and possibly in other plant species.