Abstract: The plant-specific NAC transcription-factor family has numerous members widely distributed in many land plant species. NAC genes play diverse and vital roles in various plant-growth and developmental processes and stress responses. Until now, efforts have been devoted to characterization and functional analysis of NAC genes. Recently, the tertiary structure of the NAC domain of ANAC019 protein has been revealed, and the function and characterization of a series of NAC genes was illuminated. Understanding the roles of NAC family genes has improved in various aspects, including their origin and classification, biological functions, regulation of expression and relationship between structure and function. This review summarizes the latest research advances in understanding NAC genes and offers suggestions for further research.