Roles of lncRNAs in Rice: Advances and Challenges
Gao Caixia, Zheng Xiuwen, Hubo Li, Ussi Ali Mlekwa, Yu Gao, Jie Xiong
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) larger than 200 nucleotides in length are eukaryotic RNAs, and do not encode proteins. lncRNAs are considered to be important regulators in many biological processes in plants. In this review, the latest advances in the roles of lncRNAs in rice were reviewed, and functions of lncRNAs were further summarized and classified. lncRNAs play crucial roles in tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses such as disease, drought, heat, cold, heavy metal, and starvation of nitrogen and phosphorus in rice. In addition, lncRNAs also regulate various growth and development processes in rice. Finally, the prospect and challenges of rice lncRNA function research in future were proposed. This review will not only help us quickly grasp the frontiers of lncRNAs functional research progresses, but also propose suggestions and ideas for the directions of further lncRNA research in rice.