AUTHOR=Zhang Aijing , Pi Wenxuan , Wang Yashuo , Li Yuxin , Wang Jiaxin , Liu Shuying , Cui Xiyan , Liu Huijing , Yao Dan , Zhao Rengui TITLE=Update on functional analysis of long non-coding RNAs in common crops JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science VOLUME=15 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1389154 DOI=10.3389/fpls.2024.1389154 ISSN=1664-462X ABSTRACT=

With the rapid advances in next-generation sequencing technology, numerous non-protein-coding transcripts have been identified, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are functional RNAs comprising more than 200 nucleotides. Although lncRNA-mediated regulatory processes have been extensively investigated in animals, there has been considerably less research on plant lncRNAs. Nevertheless, multiple studies on major crops showed lncRNAs are involved in crucial processes, including growth and development, reproduction, and stress responses. This review summarizes the progress in the research on lncRNA roles in several major crops, presents key strategies for exploring lncRNAs in crops, and discusses current challenges and future prospects. The insights provided in this review will enhance our comprehension of lncRNA functions in crops, with potential implications for improving crop genetics and breeding.