A long non-coding RNA lncRNA18313 regulates resistance against cadmium stress in wheat

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play key roles in plant response and adaptation to heavy metal stresses. However, the exact biological functions and potential regulatory mechanism, especially in wheat's response to cadmium (Cd) stress, are still poorly understood. We have previously discovered a Cd stress-related lncRNA in wheat, namely <i>TalncRNA18313</i>. In this study, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that <i>TalncRNA18313</i> was expressed extensively in wheat leaves, and its accumulation was highly induced by Cd stress. To further fully explore the function of <i>lncRNA18313</i> in response to Cd stress, <i>lncRNA18313</i> was cloned from wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.), and was transformed into <i>Arabidopsis</i>. When <i>TalncRNA18313</i> was heterologous expressed in <i>Arabidopsis</i>, the transgenic plants exhibited enhanced Cd tolerance characterized by lower malondialdehyde (<i>MDA</i>) levels and higher activities of key antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (<i>CAT</i>), superoxide dismutase (<i>SOD</i>) and peroxidase (<i>POD</i>). Subsequently, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis demonstrated that 370 genes were differentially expressed in <i>lncRNA18313</i> overexpressing transgenic lines under Cd stress comparing to wild type plants. Among the genes regulated by <i>lncRNA18313</i>, the most significantly enriched were those involved in transcriptional regulation and antioxidative defense responses. These results suggest that <i>TalncRNA18313</i> plays a crucial role in improving Cd tolerance in wheat by modulating key stress-related pathways, particularly those critical for coping with oxidative damage and regulating gene expression under Cd stress. This discovery contributes to the expanding understanding of knowledge about the involvement of lncRNAs in plant stress responses and offers promising potential for improving crop resilience to environmental stresses.