Plant responses to temperature stress modulated by microRNAs

Abstract

Due to the increasing impact of worldwide environmental changes, temperature stress has become a major factor resulting in crop yield losses. The discovery of temperature‐stress‐responsive protein‐coding genes has made significant progress in understanding plants' complex stress response systems involving microRNAs (miRNAs). The miRNAs are triggered by heat or cold, thus confirming their significant functional role in cold or heat tolerance. Such dependable recommendations significantly broaden our understanding of the regulatory role of miRNAs in plant stress responses. This article presents novel perspectives on the substantial roles of plant miRNAs in responding to and acclimatizing to heat and cold stress. It comprehensively elaborates on miRNAs responsive to temperature stress, their regulatory mechanisms, and their targeted functions in plants. Additionally, the article investigates how miRNAs contribute to safeguarding plant reproductive tissues, mitigating damage caused by reactive oxygen species, modulating heat shock proteins, transcription factors, and phytohormones in the context of temperature stress. The conclusion outlines potential avenues for future research, highlighting the utilization of miRNAs and their regulatory functions to develop economically vital crops with enhanced tolerance to temperature stress, thereby ensuring future food security.