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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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Genes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

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

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 6580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

Viewed by 899

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 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

Open AccessReview

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 935

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 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

Open AccessReview

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

Viewed by 960

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. 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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