Plant Non-coding Transcriptomics: Overview of lncRNAs in Abiotic Stress Responses

Extensive transcriptome studies of over 40 plant species have shown that very broad regions of plant genomes contain noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). ncRNAs are known to regulate gene expression, and are involved in DNA methylation, DNA structural modification, histone modification, RNA degradation, RNA masking, and translational regulation. The biological roles of ncRNAs impact plant growth, response to biotic and abiotic stresses, and regulate inherited properties of gene expression. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the ncRNA regulatory mechanisms in plants, including their expression and the interaction of their targets such as RNAs, DNAs, and proteins. In this review, recent research pertaining to the biogenesis and functions of ncRNAs is summarized and discussed.