Emphasizing the role of wheat circular RNA in defense response against stripe rust disease

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) represent a subset of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) discerned by deep sequencing, predominantly within plant cells. They serve diverse roles in regulating genes during both pre- and post-transcriptional processes. Once dismissed as “junk”, they have emerged as significant participants in controlling gene expression, particularly associated with biotic stress in several plant species. In this investigation, a total of 36 RNA-Seq datasets from two wheat varieties under control and treated conditions were obtained from two Bioprojects. We detected and characterized a total of 4960 circRNAs and elucidated their function as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) over three distinct time durations. Subsequent downstream analysis revealed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network involving 115 miRNAs competing for the binding sites of 5374 mRNAs in wheat. With this user-friendly interface, we expect TaCircRNADb will serve as a valuable database in developing resilient wheat varieties and aid in the improvement of key characteristics relevant to their stress response.