Non-coding RNAs in Plant Development, Adaptation, and Evolution

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 5485

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Agro-Biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
Interests: plant molecular biology; genome editing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decade, the once-overlooked non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in various biological processes. These RNA molecules (including microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, etc.) have captured significant attention due to their diverse roles in modulating gene expression, chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation. In the context of plant biology, non-coding RNAs have been implicated in a wide range of developmental processes, such as grain yield, root and shoot development, flower formation and fruit ripening. Furthermore, they have been shown to be crucial for plant adaptation to various environmental stresses, including drought, salinity, temperature fluctuations and diseases. Their involvement in plant evolutionary processes, including speciation, domestication and diversification, has also been increasingly recognized.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advances in understanding the functions and mechanisms of non-coding RNAs in plant development, adaptation and evolution. It brings together a collection of original research articles, reviews and perspectives that shed light on the diverse roles of non-coding RNAs in plant biology. We hope that this Special Issue will provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of non-coding RNAs and their impact on plant life.

We would like to express our gratitude to the contributing authors for their valuable contributions, as well as the reviewers for their expert evaluation. We believe that this Special Issue will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, students and enthusiasts interested in exploring the remarkable roles of non-coding RNAs in shaping the development, adaptation and evolution of plants.

Dr. Yang Yu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • non-coding RNAs
  • gene regulation
  • epigenetics
  • plant development
  • plant adaptation and evolution

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 2932 KiB  
Article
Molecular Manipulation of the miR160/AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR Expression Module Impacts Root Development in Arabidopsis thaliana
by Kim Zimmerman, Joseph L. Pegler, Jackson M. J. Oultram, David A. Collings, Ming-Bo Wang, Christopher P. L. Grof and Andrew L. Eamens
Genes 2024, 15(8), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15081042 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 896
Abstract
In Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), microRNA160 (miR160) regulates the expression of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR10 (ARF10), ARF16 and ARF17 throughout development, including the development of the root system. We have previously shown that in addition to DOUBLE-STRANDED RNA BINDING1 (DRB1), DRB2 [...] Read more.
In Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), microRNA160 (miR160) regulates the expression of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR10 (ARF10), ARF16 and ARF17 throughout development, including the development of the root system. We have previously shown that in addition to DOUBLE-STRANDED RNA BINDING1 (DRB1), DRB2 is also involved in controlling the rate of production of specific miRNA cohorts in the tissues where DRB2 is expressed in wild-type Arabidopsis plants. In this study, a miR160 overexpression transgene (MIR160B) and miR160-resistant transgene versions of ARF10 and ARF16 (mARF10 and mARF16) were introduced into wild-type Arabidopsis plants and the drb1 and drb2 single mutants to determine the degree of requirement of DRB2 to regulate the miR160 expression module as part of root development. Via this molecular modification approach, we show that in addition to DRB1, DRB2 is required to regulate the level of miR160 production from its precursor transcripts in Arabidopsis roots. Furthermore, we go on to correlate the altered abundance of miR160 or its ARF10, ARF16 and ARF17 target genes in the generated series of transformant lines with the enhanced development of the root system displayed by these plant lines. More specifically, promotion of primary root elongation likely stemmed from enhancement of miR160-directed ARF17 expression repression, while the promotion of lateral and adventitious root formation was the result of an elevated degree of miR160-directed regulation of ARF17 expression, and to a lesser degree, ARF10 and ARF16 expression. Taken together, the results presented in this study identify the requirement of the functional interplay between DRB1 and DRB2 to tightly control the rate of miR160 production, to in turn ensure the appropriate degree of miR160-directed ARF10, ARF16 and ARF17 gene expression regulation as part of normal root system development in Arabidopsis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs in Plant Development, Adaptation, and Evolution)
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12 pages, 6580 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Roles of LncRNA MOIRAs in Rice Blast Disease Resistance
by Qing Liu, Jiao Xue, Lanlan Zhang, Liqun Jiang and Chen Li
Genes 2024, 15(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15010082 - 9 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1275
Abstract
Rice blast disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is a major threat to rice production worldwide. This study investigates the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in rice’s response to this destructive disease, with a focus on their impacts on [...] Read more.
Rice blast disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is a major threat to rice production worldwide. This study investigates the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in rice’s response to this destructive disease, with a focus on their impacts on disease resistance and yield traits. Three specific lncRNAs coded by M. oryzae infection-responsive lncRNAs (MOIRAs), MOIRA1, MOIRA2, and MOIRA3, were identified as key regulators of rice’s response to M. oryzae infection. Strikingly, when MOIRA1 and MOIRA2 were overexpressed, they exhibited a dual function: they increased rice’s susceptibility to blast fungus, indicating a negative role in disease resistance, while simultaneously enhancing tiller numbers and single-plant yield, with no adverse effects on other yield-related traits. This unexpected improvement in productivity suggests the possibility of overcoming the traditional trade-off between disease resistance and crop yield. These findings provide a novel perspective on crop enhancement, offering a promising solution to global food security challenges by developing rice varieties that effectively balance disease resistance and increased productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs in Plant Development, Adaptation, and Evolution)
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Review

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15 pages, 8619 KiB  
Review
Long Non-Coding RNAs: Discoveries, Mechanisms, and Research Strategies in Seeds
by Xiumei Li, Qinjian Liu and Jun Liu
Genes 2023, 14(12), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14122214 - 14 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1286
Abstract
Seeds provide nutrients for the embryo and allow for dormancy in stressed environments to better adapt the plant to its environment. In addition, seeds are an essential source of food for human survival and are the basis for the formation of food production [...] Read more.
Seeds provide nutrients for the embryo and allow for dormancy in stressed environments to better adapt the plant to its environment. In addition, seeds are an essential source of food for human survival and are the basis for the formation of food production and quality. Therefore, the research on the genetic mechanism of seed development and germination will provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the improvement of crop yield and quality. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) occupy a pivotal position in seed development and germination. In this review, we describe the key processes in seed biology and examine discoveries and insights made in seed lncRNA, with emphasis on lncRNAs that regulate seed biology through multiple mechanisms. Given that thousands of lncRNAs are present in the seed transcriptome, characterization has lagged far behind identification. We provide an overview of research strategies and approaches including some exciting new techniques that may uncover the function of lncRNAs in seed. Finally, we discuss the challenges facing the field and the opening questions. All in all, we hope to provide a clear perspective on discoveries of seed lncRNA by linking discoveries, mechanisms, and technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs in Plant Development, Adaptation, and Evolution)
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15 pages, 1107 KiB  
Review
The Pivotal Role of Noncoding RNAs in Flowering Time Regulation
by Yun Liu, Qing-Feng Zhu, Wen-Yan Li, Pei Chen, Jiao Xue, Yang Yu and Yan-Zhao Feng
Genes 2023, 14(12), 2114; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14122114 - 23 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1499
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs constitute a substantial portion of the transcriptome and play pivotal roles in plant growth and development. Among these processes, flowering stands out as a crucial trait, ensuring reproductive success and seed set, and is meticulously controlled by genetic and environmental factors. [...] Read more.
Noncoding RNAs constitute a substantial portion of the transcriptome and play pivotal roles in plant growth and development. Among these processes, flowering stands out as a crucial trait, ensuring reproductive success and seed set, and is meticulously controlled by genetic and environmental factors. With remarkable advancements in the identification and characterization of noncoding RNAs in plants, it has become evident that noncoding RNAs are intricately linked to the regulation of flowering time. In this article, we present an overview of the classification of plant noncoding RNAs and delve into their functions in the regulation of flowering time. Furthermore, we review their molecular mechanisms and their involvement in flowering pathways. Our comprehensive review enhances the understanding of how noncoding RNAs contribute to the regulation of flowering time and sheds light on their potential implications in crop breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs in Plant Development, Adaptation, and Evolution)
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