New OMIC frontiers - lncRNA as a novel gene source for trait improvement

While a significant portion of the genome is transcribed to RNA, not all RNAs code for proteins. Recent studies have shown that some of these non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) have important roles in plant physiology and development. Thus, within this almost untouched gene pool, there could be genes that enhance agronomically relevant traits. Nevertheless, utilizing ncRNA as a novel gene pool also presents major challenges with respect to their identification and functional annotation. To this end, Evogene has developed an innovative data production and analysis pipeline for the identification of ncRNAs from various plant species, as well as their linkage to key traits. In this presentation, Evogene reviews its research and discovery activities in the novel field of ncRNA, providing an example for ncRNA genes that are potentially essential for plant growth.