The GhNAC091-GhZAT12 module regulates cotton acclimation to excess light via ROS scavenging

We examined global transcriptional profiles of one-month-old Gossypium hirsutum (G. hirsutum) seedlings in response to high light (HL) stress using Illumina sequencing. HL disrupted G. hirsutum photosynthesis parameters and altered genome-wide transcription of genes associated with light responses, as well as JA and ABA biosynthesis and signaling. Further analysis revealed that GhNAC091 directly targets the gene encoding the zinc-finger protein GhZAT12, thereby contributing to HL acclimation by modulating ROS homeostasis and ABA biosynthesis. This study reveals the transcriptomic basis of cotton acclimation to excess light and identify the GhNAC091-GhZAT12 module as key components of this response, thus providing valuable insights for breeding cotton cultivars with enhanced photosynthetic efficiency.