Introduction to nc-RNA and Their Crucial Role in Biological Regulation Under Environmental Stress

Environmental factors, including physicochemical agents, noise, and mental stress, induce epigenetic reprogramming and alter non-coding RNA (ncRNA) signatures, impacting cellular physiology and crucial processes like apoptosis, signal transduction, and DNA repair. This investigation focuses on microRNAs (miRNAs) and the emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in response to stressors such as UV, heavy metals, and pesticides. Commonly regulated lncRNAs serve as exposure biomarkers, epigenetic regulators, and therapeutic targets. ncRNAs, once deemed transcriptional “noise,” are now recognized for their roles in cellular processes, particularly under stress. This overview covers miRNAs, lncRNAs, and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), elucidating their mechanisms of action and significance in stress response regulation. The interplay between ncRNAs and stress-responsive pathways contributes to organismal adaptation and survival. Recent advancements highlight specific ncRNAs involved in stress response networks across organisms, emphasizing their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This study deepens our understanding of ncRNA biology and offers avenues for innovative solutions in environmental biology and medicine, providing understandings into the molecular mechanisms through which ncRNAs modulate biological responses to environmental stress, and facilitating the development of strategies to mitigate adverse effects on living organisms.