Harnessing the Power of Small RNAs: Advances and Applications in Plant Gene Silencing and Stress Response

Small RNA molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are critical regulators that orchestrate a wide range of genetic information processing in plants. These molecules typically range between 20-24 nucleotides and are categorized mainly into miRNAs and siRNAs, each playing distinct roles in genetic regulation through RNA silencing pathways. MiRNAs are primarily involved in regulating gene expression by affecting chromatin states and transcript availability, thereby influencing plant growth, development, and reproductive processes. On the other hand, siRNAs are integral to the plant's ability to interact with its environment and respond to stress factors, both biotic and abiotic. They also participate in more complex genetic mechanisms such as epigenetic modifications. This sophisticated regulation is achieved through specific pathways involving different biogenesis and maturation processes, and targeting through diverse AGO protein clades, highlighting the intricate nature of small RNA functions in plant biology.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the role and mechanisms of small RNAs in regulating plant gene expression, development, and responses to environmental stresses. By diving deeper into the molecular processes governing their biogenesis and action, and exploring their applications in plant biotechnology, the goal is to present a nuanced understanding of how these small molecules can be manipulated to improve plant traits and stress resilience.

To achieve a broader understanding of the implications and applications of small RNAs in plant sciences, this Research Topic explores a wide array of themes including but not limited to:

• Molecular pathways of miRNA and siRNA biogenesis and the proteins involved

• Diverse roles of small RNAs in different stages of plant development and reproduction

• Functional analysis of small RNAs in plant responses to various stress conditions

• The impact of small RNAs on epigenetic regulation, specifically focusing on DNA methylation and histone modifications

• The design, development, and efficacy of synthetic small RNAs in targeted gene silencing

• Interplay between different types of small RNAs producing complex regulatory networks

• Pathways and significance of RNA-directed DNA methylation mediated by small RNAs

• Harnessing small RNA technologies for crop improvement and agricultural productivity

• Advances in technological tools for small RNA research, including omics technologies and bioinformatic tools

• Evaluation of the environmental and agricultural benefits and risks associated with small RNA-based interventions

We invite contributions in the form of original research articles, in-depth reviews, method articles, and opinion pieces to enrich our understanding and application of small RNA science in plant biology.

Keywords: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), Gene Silencing, Plant Stress, Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), Small RNAs

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.