GhNAC12, a neutral candidate gene, leads to early aging in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L)

• qRT-PCR indicated GhNAC12 expression increased during the early-aging process.
• Overexpression of GhNAC12 in Arabidopsis led to early senescence.
• Our data showed that GhNAC12 is a candidate gene for early aging in cotton.
• Neutrality tests suggested GhNAC12 is a neutral gene during the domestication.

NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants, and its members play various roles in plant growth, development, and the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Currently, 77 NAC genes have been reported in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). And GhNAC12 showed up-regulation during leaf senescence, but its role in this process is poorly understood. In the present study, a preliminary function analysis of GhNAC12 was performed during leaf senescence. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that GhNAC12 expression increased during the early-aging process and the aging of cotyledons. Additionally, we observed that overexpression of GhNAC12 in Arabidopsis led to early senescence (early aging). Our findings suggest that GhNAC12 is a candidate gene for early aging in upland cotton cultivars. Neutrality tests suggested that there was no selection pressure imposed on GhNAC12 during the domestication of upland cotton.