A cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) gene encoding a NAC transcription factor is involved in negative regulation of plant xylem development

NAC proteins that compose of one large family of plant specific transcription factors (TF) play the important roles in many biological processes (such as morphogenesis, development, senescence and stress signal transduction). In this study, a gene (designated as GhXND1) encoding a NAC transcription factor was identified in cotton. Sequence analysis indicated that GhXND1 gene contains two introns inserted in its open reading frame (ORF). GhXND1 protein is localized in the cell nucleus, and displays the transactivation activity. GhXND1 transcripts were mainly detected in cotyledons, petals, roots, hypocotyls and stems, but little or no signals of GhXND1 expression were found in the other tissues. Ectopic expression of GhXND1 in Arabidopsis resulted in a reduction in number of xylem vessel cells and cell wall thickness of interfascicular fibers in the transgenic plants, compared with those of wild type. And expression of some cell wall biosynthesis-related genes was down-regulated in the GhXND1 transgenic plants. Collectively, the data presented in this study suggested that GhXND1 may be involved in regulation of plant xylem development.