Regulatory roles of noncoding RNAs in oil palm response to cold stress

Comparative analysis revealed 1,106 DELs, 638 DEMs and 13,539 DEGs reacting to cold stress relative to control conditions (CK). GO and KEGG enrichment of DEGs and predicted ncRNA targets highlighted carbohydrate/lipid metabolism and secondary-metabolite biosynthesis. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that miR156-zmiR156-z negatively regulated <i>FabF1</i> in protoplasts, providing targeted functional validation within the inferred network. The findings offer new perspectives on the regulatory role of ncRNAs in oil palm's response to cold stress and establish a basis for future functional research. Gaining insight into these molecular mechanisms may help improve cold resilience in oil palm, paving the way for the development of more robust cultivars.