Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of the ZmNAC20-overexpressing plants in response to drought stress in maize

Drought stress threatens maize growth, development, and productivity worldwide. Understanding the mechanisms of drought stress response is crucial for improving drought stress resistance in crops. In this study, we identified a NAC transcription factor ZmNAC20, which was shown to function in drought stress response in maize. ZmNAC20 expression was rapidly upregulated by drought stress and ABA. Overexpression of ZmNAC20 improved drought stress resistance in maize. RNA-seq analysis showed that ZmNAC20 regulated drought stress by modulation of multiple genes expression in maize.