RNA regulation in plants

Eukaryotic genomes are pervasively transcribed, producing a vast repertoire of RNA molecules. In plants, diverse RNA species play pivotal roles in regulating growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli. The activities of RNAs are determined not only by their nucleotide sequences but are also shaped by multiple regulatory mechanisms, including processing, turnover, chemical modifications, and higher-order structure formation—each contributing critically to phenotypic outcomes. Over the past decade, technological advances, particularly in high-throughput sequencing and genome editing, have substantially deepened our understanding of RNA regulation; concurrently, research in this field has expanded from foundational studies in Arabidopsis to encompass a broad range of crop species. Building upon this expanded knowledge, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the regulation and functions of RNAs in plants. Specifically, we discuss the roles and molecular mechanisms of diverse RNA types, the roles of RNA structures and modifications in regulatory processes, and the translational application of RNA-based strategies for improving agronomic traits. Finally, we outline future research directions and offer perspectives on harnessing RNA regulation to advance crop improvement.