Long non-coding RNAs in plant secondary metabolite biosynthesis: mechanisms and applications

Plant secondary metabolites are abundant in active components that help plants endure environmental stress and are widely applied in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in regulating the biosynthesis of these metabolites. However, only a limited number of lncRNAs linked to plant secondary metabolism have been identified, and their regulatory mechanisms remain largely elucidated.

To elucidate the important regulatory roles of plant lncRNAs in the regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis, providing new perspectives for secondary metabolism research and new strategies for developing novel plant-based drugs.

Relevant information for this review was collected from academic papers published in databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and CellPress, as well as from specific academic journals. The search keywords for this review included "plant lncRNA," "secondary metabolites," "natural products," "herbal medicine," "bioactive components," "terpenoids," "flavonoids," "alkaloids," "biosynthesis," "molecular mechanisms," "growth and development," " biotic stress," and " abiotic stress."

LncRNAs not only play a regulatory role in plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stress but also contribute to the regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis, including terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Notably, these secondary metabolites exhibit significant potential for disease treatment.

Prospective literature analysis indicates that lncRNAs are directly or indirectly involved in the biosynthesis or biotransformation of plant secondary metabolites. Based on these characteristics, rational development of new drugs from plant natural products could greatly benefit human health.