Long noncodingRNAtranscriptome of plants

Summary Since their discovery more than two decades ago, animal long noncoding RNA s (lnc RNA s) have emerged as important regulators of many biological processes. Recently, a large number of lnc RNA s have also been identified in higher plants, and here, we review their identification, classification and known regulatory functions in various developmental events and stress responses. Knowledge gained from a deeper understanding of this special group of noncoding RNA s may lead to biotechnological improvement of crops. Some possible examples in this direction are discussed.