The role of the transcription factor NAC17 in enhancing plant resistance and stress tolerance in Vitis quinquangularis

Stilbenes, a natural plant phytoalexin, are involved in the plant's response to various biotic and abiotic stresses in its environment. STILBENE SYNTHASE (STS) is the key enzyme regulating resveratrol synthesis in grapevine. However, the regulatory mechanism of STS gene expression remains unclear. In this study, we reported a NAC transcription factor, VqNAC17, in Vitis quinquangularis, which can improve plant resistance to salt stress, drought stress, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, the interaction between the transcription factors VqNAC17 and VqMYB15 was confirmed using yeast two-hybrid and BiFC. In transgenic A. thaliana, VqNAC17 participates in plant immunity through interaction with VqMYB15 to affect the stilbene synthesis. Furthermore, the experimental results of the yeast one-hybrid assay and LUC transient expression assay found that VqNAC17 can also bind to the promoter of VqMYB15. These results indicate that VqNAC17 is a key regulator that can promote the expression of STS by interacting with VqMYB15.