The Potential Role of Long Non-coding RNAs and Micro RNAs in insects: From Junk to Luxury

Abstract

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in almost all biological processes and comprise a layer of internal signals that have a potential control on various levels of gene expression. The research in the field of ncRNAs has progressed a lot owing to the recent developments in sequencing methods and information analysis. A large number of ncRNAs have been identified in insects from the RNA-Seq data or transcriptomes and they have important regulatory functions at the epigenetic, transcriptional, or post-transcriptional levels. The technological innovations have made it possible to discover ncRNAs from both beneficial (honeybees, silkworm, etc.) and harmful insects (Plutella xylostella, Helicoverpa armigera, Bactrocera species, aphids etc.). The characterization and utilization of ncRNAs in the field of insect science have become a worldwide research focus and they are believed to have potential applications in insect pest management and the prevention and management of diseases of beneficial insects.