The Long-noncoding RNAs: effective players in plant development and stress responses

Plants adjust to the changing environment through intricate and highly regulated mechanisms of gene regulation. The genome of eukaryotes, both plants and animals, codes for protein-coding RNA and non-protein-coding RNA. Recent reports shed light on the key role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating not only gene expression networks but also growth and development in plants at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels. Here, we review the newly emerging updates and the role of lncRNAs in modulating plant development ranging from the regulation of root development, lateral root development, symbiotic nodule formation, photomorphogenesis, and flowering. Furthermore, we have discussed the growing role of lncRNAs in the regulation of plant cell response to environmental stress. Moreover, we have highlighted the biogenesis of lncRNAs and their types, their role in RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), and how lncRNAs act as scaffolds/sponges/decoys for protein modules for their proper functioning.