Technological frontiers driving new insights in plant RNA biology
- 1Plant Epigenetics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
Abstract
Recent technological innovations in high-throughput sequencing have reshaped our understanding of plant RNA biology, revealing complex regulatory layers beyond primary genetic sequences. In this mini-review, we highlight how emerging methodologies ranging from nascent RNA profiling to direct long-read sequencing have uncovered novel roles for non-coding RNAs, enhancer elements, alternative splicing/polyadenylation, and epitranscriptomic marks in RNA transcriptional control and stress adaptation. For each technique driving these fundamental advances, we provide a brief overview outlining the methodologies and their respective advantages and limitations, guiding the optimal tool for future RNA research. Finally, we propose how integrating these technologies into combinatorial studies will advance a unified, system-wide model of plant RNA dynamics, as well as the potential to resolve co-occurring RNA modifications in the context of an epitranscriptomic “epi-code” governing post-transcriptional fate. Bridging these molecular mechanisms will be crucial for understanding phenotypic plasticity and enabling targeted (epi)transcriptomic engineering to develop climate-resilient crops.
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BibTeX
@article{furci2026technological,
title = {{Technological frontiers driving new insights in plant RNA biology}},
author = {Leonardo Furci and Anna M. Klarkowska and Atsushi Shimada and Hidetoshi Saze},
journal = {Frontiers in Plant Science},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpls.2026.1944001},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2026.1944001/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Technological frontiers driving new insights in plant RNA biology
AU - Leonardo Furci
AU - Anna M. Klarkowska
AU - Atsushi Shimada
AU - Hidetoshi Saze
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/19
JO - Frontiers in Plant Science
DO - 10.3389/fpls.2026.1944001
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2026.1944001/full
AB - Recent technological innovations in high-throughput sequencing have reshaped our understanding of plant RNA biology, revealing complex regulatory layers beyond primary genetic sequences. In this mini-review, we highlight how emerging methodologies ranging from nascent RNA profiling to direct long-read sequencing have uncovered novel roles for non-coding RNAs, enhancer elements, alternative splicing/polyadenylation, and epitranscriptomic marks in RNA transcriptional control and stress adaptation. For each technique driving these fundamental advances, we provide a brief overview outlining the methodologies and their respective advantages and limitations, guiding the optimal tool for future RNA research. Finally, we propose how integrating these technologies into combinatorial studies will advance a unified, system-wide model of plant RNA dynamics, as well as the potential to resolve co-occurring RNA modifications in the context of an epitranscriptomic “epi-code” governing post-transcriptional fate. Bridging these molecular mechanisms will be crucial for understanding phenotypic plasticity and enabling targeted (epi)transcriptomic engineering to develop climate-resilient crops.
SN - 1664-462X
ER -