The Characters of Non-Coding RNAs and Their Biological Roles in Plant Development and Abiotic Stress Response

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Plant growth and development are significantly influenced by environmental factors and abiotic stress.
• While protein-coding genes are well-studied, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles.
• Small RNAs (sRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) are key ncRNAs involved in plant processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding the roles of sRNAs and lncRNAs in plant development and abiotic stress responses.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, targets, and regulatory networks of ncRNAs in plants.
• To discuss the potential applications of ncRNAs in molecular plant breeding.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on plant ncRNAs.
• Analysis of signal factors, expression characteristics, and target functions of ncRNAs.
• Investigation of the interplay networks between ncRNAs and their targets.

Main Results:

• ncRNAs regulate gene transcription at multiple levels (transcriptional, posttranscriptional, epigenetic).
• sRNAs and lncRNAs target mRNAs, regulatory genes, DNA regions, and proteins.
• Complex regulatory pathways involving ncRNAs, their targets, and signaling factors have been identified.

Conclusions:

• ncRNAs are critical regulators of plant development and adaptation to abiotic stress.
• Understanding ncRNA mechanisms provides insights into plant stress tolerance and development.
• ncRNAs hold significant potential as targets for molecular breeding to enhance crop resilience.