From molecular basics to agronomic benefits: Insights into noncoding RNA-mediated gene regulation in plants

The development of plants is largely dependent on their growth environment. To better adapt to a particular habitat, plants have evolved various subtle regulatory mechanisms for altering gene expression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute a major portion of the transcriptomes of eukaryotes. Various ncRNAs have been recognized as important regulators of the expression of genes involved in essential biological processes throughout the whole life cycles of plants. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the biogenesis and contributions of small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA)- and regulatory long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-mediated gene regulation in plant development and environmental responses. Many regulatory ncRNAs appear to be associated with increased yield, quality and disease resistance of various species and cultivars. These ncRNAs may potentially be used as genetic resources for improving agronomic traits and for molecular breeding. The challenges in understanding plant ncRNA biology and the possibilities to make better use of these valuable gene resources in the future are discussed in this review.

Automated summary

Gene regulation mediated by noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) plays an important role in plant development and environmental responses. This review summarizes the current understanding of the roles of small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) and regulatory long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in plants, as well as the potential of these ncRNAs as genetic resources for improving agronomic traits and molecular breeding.