Genome-wide analysis of NAM-ATAF1,2-CUC2 transcription factor family in Solanum lycopersicum

NAM, ATAF1,2, and CUC2 (NAC) proteins constitute one of the largest families of plant-specific transcription factors. These proteins have diverse functions in biological processes. Particularly, NAC transcription factors have received considerable attention as regulators in stress signaling pathways. However, little is known about the NAC genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). In this study, 104 NAC genes were identified in the tomato genome. The predicted NAC genes were distributed across all of 12 chromosomes at various densities and were phylogenetically clustered into six groups (1 VI), together with NAC genes from Arabidopsis and rice. The structure and motif compositions of the NAC genes in tomato were also analyzed. Analysis of available microarray data showed that most of the NAG genes in tomato had specific temporal and spatial expression patterns. Moreover, the expression profiles of eight selected NAG genes in tomato were analyzed in different tissues under different abiotic conditions by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Except for one, all eight selected genes responded to one or more of the abiotic stress treatments. The results of this study provided insights into the classification and putative functions of this family.