In this study, a novel GRAS transcription factor gene named NtGRAS was isolated by silico cloning from Ncotiana tabacum (NC89). The cloned complete ORF of NtGRAS was 1 311 bp, for a protein of 436 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that NtGRAS with molecular weight 47 781, isoelectric point 5.16 and located in the nucleus. It shared high homology with AtSCL23 in Arabidopsis thaliana by the phylogenetic analysis. A transactivation assay in yeast cells demonstrated that the NtGRAS protein possessed a transcriptional activation activity. Real–Time PCR analysis indicated that NtGRAS expressed in roots, stems, leaves and flowers, especially in roots. In addition, NtGRAS expression was up–regulated by low temperature (4 ℃), NaCl (200 μmol/L) and drought treatments.