Non-coding RNAs for Crop Improvement : Concepts and Applications

This edited book covers all aspects of non-coding RNAs analysis. Non-coding RNAs are critical genetic regulators that have evolved as game-changers in modifying plant responses to stress conditions. The book explores potential relationships between different classes of non-coding RNAs and response of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. The chapters are organized into three sections. Section 1 provides a basic understanding of the various aspects and roles of RNA silencing. Section 2 includes an overview of the molecular techniques and computational methodologies used for identification and analysis of small RNAs. Discovery timelines are also provided to highlight the significance of next-generation sequencing over time. Section 3 of the book covers the applications of RNAi techniques to improve crops and develop stress-tolerant varieties.

This book compiles all available data and computational approaches to analyze non-coding RNAs. It describes the general characteristics, categorization, functional analysis, and advancements in RNAi and its role in developing stress-resilient plants. This book is helpful for students and researchers to understand the role of non-coding RNAs, which opens new insights into next-generation sequencing. It serves as excellent reading material for undergraduate and graduate students studying molecular biology, bioinformatics, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

Dr. Kavita Goswami is a Ph. D from SHUATS, Prayagraj, with expertise in bioinformatics. She holds a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. degree in Bioinformatics from CCS University, Meerut. She holds a PG diploma in IPR and a six-month certificate in Computer Concepts from IGNOU and certificate course in Advance excel from Iraedu. Dr. Kavita has expertise in a variety of bioinformatics tools and programming languages, such as HTML, R, Perl, Next Generation Sequence analysis and Armour database. She has made substantial contributions to scientific literature, with numerous publications in national and international journals and conferences in the field of microRNA (miRNA) regulation in plants, particularly focusing on stress responses and development. Through comparative analyses, database creation, and exploration of miRNA-target interactions, she has elucidated the roles of miRNAs in mediating plant responses to various stressors such as salt, heat, and viral infections. These studies contribute valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying stress adaptation in plants, paving the way for future advancements in crop resilience and agricultural sustainability.

Dr. Temesgen Assefa Gelaw is an Assistant Professor at the department of biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, DebreBirhan University, Ethiopia. He has more than nine years of experience in industry and higher education. He has completed his B.Sc. in Applied Biology from Wolkite University, Ethiopia, and M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia. He was awarded the Arturo Falaschi fellowship from International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, for his Ph.D in Plant Biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. In his doctoral thesis, Dr. Temesgen delved in to the functional roles of miRNAs in drought stress tolerance in maize and rice. This work was recognized through best poster presentation awards by National Conference of Plant Physiology, India as well as Springer Nature. He has numerous publications in national and international journals. His main research area is stress physiology, molecular biology, plant tissue culture, and nanotechnology.

Dr. Neeti Sanan-Mishra is a scientist in the field of molecular Biology, currently serving as Group Leader at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi, India. She is working on understanding the role of RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms in plant response to abiotic stress factors and viral infections, with a focus on the miRNAs. She completed her graduation in botany from the University of Delhi and post-graduation in Life Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She obtained her doctoral degree in molecular plant physiology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, where her research focused on unraveling the molecular and electrical signaling mechanisms of light. At ICGEB, Dr. Neeti leads a dynamic team engaged in research on the use of RNAi technology to address pressing climate change associated challenges in agriculture. Her research group focuses on discovering the functions of miRNAs in plant development and response to salinity, high temperatures, drought, and viral infections. Dr. Neeti has expertise in leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology tools such as synthetic biology and gene editing to manipulating the miRNAs for trait improvement and crop protection. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and grants.