A research team led by Lingling Zhang from China Agricultural University published their findings (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad234) on November 17, 2023, in Horticulture Research. The review focused on the pivotal role of lncRNAs in plant growth and adaptation to stress. The team explored how lncRNAs interact with small RNAs and other non-coding RNAs to uncover new regulatory mechanisms. Their work underscores the importance of lncRNAs in helping plants respond to environmental stressors, offering fresh perspectives in plant science.
The review provides a detailed examination of lncRNAs, emphasizing their role in coordinating plant responses to environmental stimuli. LncRNAs, over 200 nucleotides long, interact with small RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) across various gene regions, including promoters, untranslated regions, and introns. A major finding was the involvement of lncRNAs in phase separation, where they form biomolecular condensates that control plant growth and stress responses. This positions lncRNAs as central regulators in plant networks. Additionally, the research demonstrated how lncRNAs function as molecular sponges, scaffolds, or interaction factors, facilitating communication between non-coding RNAs. The team also uncovered the potential of lncRNAs to encode micropeptides, expanding our understanding of their functions. These discoveries highlight lncRNAs as vital targets for enhancing plant resilience.
