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Vernalization plays a crucial role in the flowering and yield of Chinese cabbage, a process intricately influenced by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Our research focused on lncFLC1, lncFLC2a, and lncFLC2b, which emerged as key players in this process. These lncRNAs exhibited an inverse expression pattern to the flowering repressor genes FLOWERING LOCUS C 1 (BrFLC1) and FLOWERING LOCUS C 2 (BrFLC2) during vernalization, suggesting a complex regulatory mechanism. Notably, their expression in the shoot apex and leaves was confirmed through in fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Furthermore, when these lncRNAs were overexpressed in Arabidopsis, a noticeable acceleration in flowering was observed, unveiling functional similarities to Arabidopsis’s COLD ASSISTED INTRONIC NONCODING RNA (COOLAIR). This resemblance suggests a potentially conserved regulatory mechanism across species. This study not only enhances our understanding of lncRNAs in flowering regulation, but also opens up new possibilities for their application in agricultural practices. Full article

Background: Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare type of liver cancer that primarily affects adolescents and young adults without prior liver disease or viral infections. Patients with FLC generally have non-specific symptoms, are often diagnosed at a later stage, and experience a higher frequency of metastases compared to patients with other liver cancers. A fusion transcript of DNAJB1 and PRKACA, which can lead to increased activity of PKA and cellular proliferation, has been identified in all FLC patients, but the exact mechanism through which FLC develops remains unclear. In this study, we investigated common lncRNA profiles in various FLC samples using bioinformatics analyses. Methods: We analyzed differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs from three RNA sequencing datasets. Using lncRNAs and DE mRNAs, we predicted potential lncRNA target genes and performed Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analyses with the DE lncRNA target genes. Moreover, we screened for small-molecule compounds that could act as therapeutic targets for FLC. Results: We identified 308 DE lncRNAs from the RNA sequencing datasets. In addition, we performed a trans-target prediction analysis and identified 454 co-expressed pairs in FLC. The GO analysis showed that the lncRNA-related up-regulated mRNAs were enriched in the regulation of protein kinase C signaling and cAMP catabolic processes, while lncRNA-related down-regulated mRNAs were enriched in steroid, retinol, cholesterol, and xenobiotic metabolic processes. The analysis of small-molecule compounds for FLC treatment identified vitexin, chlorthalidone, triamterene, and amiloride, among other compounds. Conclusions: We identified potential therapeutic targets for FLC, including lncRNA target genes as well as small-molecule compounds that could potentially be used as treatments. Our findings could contribute to furthering our understanding of FLC and providing potential avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Full article