Insights into lncRNA-mediated regulatory networks in Hevea brasiliensis under anthracnose stress

In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators in plant biology, governing complex gene regulatory networks. In the context of disease resistance in Hevea brasiliensis, the rubber tree, significant progress has been made in understanding its response to anthracnose disease, a serious threat posed by fungal pathogens impacting global rubber tree cultivation and latex quality. While advances have been achieved in unraveling the genetic and molecular foundations underlying anthracnose resistance, gaps persist in comprehending the regulatory roles of lncRNAs and miRNAs under such stress conditions. The specific contributions of these non-coding RNAs in orchestrating molecular responses against anthracnose in H. brasiliensis remain unclear, necessitating further exploration to uncover strategies that increase disease resistance. Here, we integrate lncRNA sequencing, miRNA sequencing, and degradome sequencing to decipher the regulatory landscape of lncRNAs and miRNAs in H. brasiliensis under anthracnose stress. We investigated the genomic and regulatory profiles of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) and constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network in response to pathogenic infection. Additionally, we elucidated the functional roles of HblncRNA29219 and its antisense hbr-miR482a, as well as the miR390-TAS3-ARF pathway, in enhancing anthracnose resistance. These findings provide valuable insights into plant-microbe interactions and hold promising implications for advancing agricultural crop protection strategies. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on non-coding RNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in H. brasiliensis under pathogen stress, establishing a foundation for innovative approaches aimed at enhancing crop resilience and sustainability in agriculture.