Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of the NAC Transcription Factor Family in Sweet Cherry ( L.).

The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) family is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor families, playing a crucial role in adaptation to abiotic stresses. However, the gene family in sweet cherry ( L.) remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified 130 genes () from the sweet cherry genome, which were unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified the PaNACs into 21 distinct groups, including 2 sweet cherry-specific groups. Comparative analysis revealed significant variations in gene proportions, exon-intron structures, and motif compositions among different groups. Furthermore, cis-element analysis suggested the potential roles of in regulating plant growth, development, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Transcriptomic data revealed tissue-specific expression patterns for several genes. qRT-PCR further confirmed that eight selected were responsive to various abiotic stresses in Gisela 6, a widely used hybrid rootstock in sweet cherry production that shares high sequence similarity in genes with . These findings provide valuable insights for future research on the functional characteristics of the genes in the growth, development, and responses to abiotic stress in sweet cherry.