Biogenesis and function of rice small RNAs from non-coding RNA precursors

Non-coding RNAs, especially small RNAs, play important roles in many biological processes. Several small RNA types, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are well-described in rice (Oryza sativa), although much remains to be learned about their function. Many small RNAs along with their targets have been characterized with deep sequencing technologies. Some special classes of these small RNAs have been found to be unique to rice or within the larger group of grasses. The functional and biological roles of numerous plants small RNAs have been described in detail, including functions as varied as the regulation of tissue development, phase transition, or abiotic and biotic stress resistance. Mutant analysis has proven useful in the genetic identification of components involved in small RNA biogenesis and also in identification of regulatory functions of small RNAs. Although many small RNAs have been identified by deep sequencing in rice, their precise regulatory functions and cell-type specificity are in many cases still unknown.