Vernalization responses in Brassica: An insight into key regulatory genes, long non-coding RNAs, associated...

Flowering time is influenced by intricate networks between genetic and epigenetic pathways. Vernalization is the process through which prolonged exposure to cold induces flowering, which plays a crucial role in the growth cycle of the Brassica genus. Over the past decades, research has significantly advanced the knowledge of the mechanisms underlying vernalization in the model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica species. This review explores the complex and crucial roles of several important genes and their paralogs in Brassica. rapa, B. oleraceae, B. napus, B. juncea, emphasizing their roles as floral repressors and the mechanisms by which vernalization regulates them. Furthermore, we highlight the growing significance of vernalization-responsive long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), particularly their association with FLC, which coordinates the vernalization response. In summary, this comprehensive review examines the sophisticated molecular mechanisms underlying vernalization response in the Brassica family, focusing on key regulatory genes, lncRNAs, and their co-regulatory networks. By enhancing our understanding of these processes, this work provides valuable insights into flowering regulation and its potential implications for crop breeding.