Epigenetic modifications: Allusive clues of lncRNA functions in plants

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been verified as flexible and important factors in various biological processes of multicellular eukaryotes, including plants. The respective intricate crosstalk among multiple epigenetic modifications has been examined to some extent. However, only a small proportion of lncRNAs has been functionally well characterized. Moreover, the relationship between lncRNAs and other epigenetic modifications has not been systematically studied. In this mini-review, we briefly summarize the re-presentative biological functions of lncRNAs in developmental programs and environmental responses in plants. In addition, we particularly discuss the intimate relationship between lncRNAs and other epigenetic modifications, and we outline the underlying avenues and challenges for future research on plant lncRNAs.(c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Research Network of Computational and Structural Biotechnology. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creative-commons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

This mini-review summarizes the biological functions of lncRNAs in plant developmental programs and environmental responses, and discusses their intimate relationship with other epigenetic modifications. The underlying avenues and challenges for future research on plant lncRNAs are also outlined.