Molecular mechanisms of SNAC1 (Stress-responsive NAC1) in conferring the abiotic stress tolerance

NAC family gene - SNAC1 (Stress-responsive NAC1) is responsive to drought, salt, cold stress, and ABA. It acts as a regulator in mediating tolerance to abiotic stress through different pathways. Abiotic stress, among them drought and salinity, are adverse factors for plant growth and crop productivity. SNAC1 was an object of high interest according to the effect of improved drought and salt tolerance when overexpressed in different plant species such as rice, wheat, barley, cotton, maize, banana, or oat. SNAC1 functions by regulating the expression of genes that contain the NAC Recognized Sequence (NACRS) within their promoter region. This gene is induced by drought, specifically in guard cells. Its downstream targets have been identified. The role of SNAC1 in molecular and physiological responses during abiotic stress has been proposed, but this knowledge still needs to be expanded. Here, we describe recent advances in understanding the action of SNAC1 in adapting plants to abiotic stress.