Copaifera langsdorffii Novel Putative Long Non-Coding RNAs: Interspecies Conservation Analysis in Adaptive Response to Different Biomes

Biologia Futura: progress and future perspectives of long non-coding RNAs in forest trees

Forest trees are affected by climate change, anthropogenic pressure, as well as abiotic and biotic stresses. Conventional tree breeding has so far been limited to enhance overall productivity, and our understanding of the genetic basis of quantitative traits is still inadequate. Quantum leaps in next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have permitted the exploration and identification of various non-coding regions of the genome other than protein coding genes. These genomic regions produce various types of non-coding RNAs and regulate myriads of biological functions at epigenetic, transcriptional and translational levels. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) which act as molecular switch have been identified to be pivotal molecules in forest trees. This review focuses on progress made in regulatory mechanisms in various developmental phases like wood formation, adventitious rooting and flowering and stress responses. It was predicted that complex regulatory interactions among lncRNA, miRNA and gene exist. LncRNAs can function as a sponge for miRNAs, reducing the suppressive effect of miRNAs on target mRNAs and perhaps adding a new layer of regulatory interactions among non-coding RNA classes in trees. Furthermore, network analysis revealed the interactions of lncRNA and genes during the expression of several important genes. The insights generated about lncRNAs in forest trees would enable improvement of economically important traits including the devastating abiotic and biotic stresses. In addition, solid understanding on the wide range of regulatory functions of lncRNAs on traits influencing biomass productivity and adaptation would aid the applications of biotechnology in genetic improvement of forest trees.

From Trash to Luxury: The Potential Role of Plant LncRNA in DNA Methylation During Abiotic Stress

Remarkable progress has been made in elucidating important roles of plant non-coding RNAs. Among these RNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained widespread attention, especially their role in plant environmental stress responses. LncRNAs act at different levels of gene expression regulation, and one of these mechanisms is by recruitment of DNA methyltransferases or demethylases to regulate the target gene transcription. In this mini-review, we highlight the function of lncRNAs, including their potential role in RNA-directed DNA Methylation (RdDM) silencing pathway and their potential function under abiotic stresses conditions. Moreover, we also present and discuss studies of lncRNAs in crops. Finally, we propose a path outlook for future research that may be important for plant breeding.