miRNAs and lncRNAs in reproductive development

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Many ncRNAs have been identified in the past decade, including small ncRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs). These novel molecules have important roles in a wide range of biological processes such as the regulation of reproduction and sex determination. Due to their ability to regulate specific genes or entire gene families, these molecules have the potential for uses in the development of breeding strategies as well as in the genetic modification of agronomic traits. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the understanding of plant miRNAs and lncRNAs in male and female development. We also discuss future challenges of using these molecules in agricultural applications, including transgenic plants in hybrid breeding, for novel genetic trait selection, for rapid character screening, and genetic modification for crop improvement.