Long Non-Coding RNAs: New Players in Plants

Abstract

During the process of growth and development, plants are prone to various biotic and abiotic stresses. They have evolved a variety of strategies to resist the adverse effects of these stresses. lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) are a type of less conserved RNA molecules of more than 200 nt (nucleotides) in length. lncRNAs do not code for any protein, but interact with DNA, RNA, and protein to affect transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic modulation events. As a new regulatory element, lncRNAs play a critical role in coping with environmental pressure during plant growth and development. This article presents a comprehensive review on the types of plant lncRNAs, the role and mechanism of lncRNAs at different molecular levels, the coordination between lncRNA and miRNA (microRNA) in plant immune responses, the latest research progress of lncRNAs in plant growth and development, and their response to biotic and abiotic stresses. We conclude with a discussion on future direction for the elaboration of the function and mechanism of lncRNAs.

The role of priming and memory in rice environmental stress adaptation: Current knowledge and perspectives

“…Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are classically longer than 200 nucleotides, regulating gene expression at transcriptional, posttranscriptional and epigenetic levels (Zhao et al, 2022). lncRNAs are key memory factors underlying short‐term drought memory acquisition in rice and regulate the expression of memory genes linked to ABA (e.g., 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 3 and 4 ( NCED3 and NCED4 )) and JAs (e.g., allene oxide cyclase, 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid reductase ) signalling.…”

Comparative physiology and transcriptome analysis to identify the important coding and non-coding RNAs imparting tolerance to salinity stress in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

“…LncRNAs participate in regulating various biological processes in plants [37], and numerous salinity stress-related lncRNAs have been identified in several species including chickpea (Cicer arietinum) [39], cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) [57] and Medicago truncatula [58]. Moreover, the molecular functions of several lncRNAs, such as DRIR [40], and Ptlinc-NAC72 [38], are associated with salinity tolerance.…”

“…RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a powerful tool for discovering candidate genes and pathways associated with salinity tolerance and has been widely used in many plant (including alfalfa) species [34][35][36]. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which is a functional RNA molecule containing longer than 200 nt without protein-coding capacity, has expanded our understanding of eukaryote transcriptome [37]. LncRNAs play important regulatory roles in gene transcription and posttranscriptional translation levels [37].…”

“…Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which is a functional RNA molecule containing longer than 200 nt without protein-coding capacity, has expanded our understanding of eukaryote transcriptome [37]. LncRNAs play important regulatory roles in gene transcription and posttranscriptional translation levels [37]. They are extensively involved in salinity responses of plants [38][39][40], but few lncRNA studies have clarified the roles of lncRNA in alfalfa.…”

Long non-coding RNAs contribute to DNA damage resistance inArabidopsis thaliana

“…Although lncRNAs are found in all organisms, plant research has contributed substantially to confirm their biological relevance, as evident from a wealth in recent review literature (Ben Amor et al, 2009; Chen et al, 2020; Bhogireddy et al, 2021; Chekanova, 2021; Jampala et al, 2021; Wierzbicki et al, 2021; Chao et al, 2022; Ma et al, 2022; Roulé et al, 2022; Sharma et al, 2022; Zhao et al, 2022). Many reports indicate a connection of lncRNA expression with external challenges, like pathogen attack, nutrient limitation, or other abiotic stress types.…”