Functional RNAs in Plants: Developing Climate-Resilient and Stress-Resistant Crops

Functional RNAs in Plants explores the rapidly advancing field of plant RNA biology and its transformative role in modern agriculture. Covering microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, and CRISPR-associated RNAs, the book explains their identification, design, structural and functional analysis, and applications in crop improvement.

Chapters address both abiotic and biotic stresses, highlighting how functional RNAs regulate tolerance to climate-driven challenges as well as plant–microbe interactions and disease resistance. Technical sections detail progress in bioinformatics, integrated multi-omics, spatial and single-cell approaches, and high-throughput transcriptomics, which together provide new insights into RNA networks underlying plant stress responses. The book also discusses artificial small RNAs, secondary metabolism, and competing endogenous RNA systems, connecting mechanistic understanding with applied breeding strategies.

Practical guidance is offered on integrating RNA knowledge into smart breeding, sustainable agriculture, and CRISPR-based innovations, with emphasis on designing and delivering functional guide RNAs for crop improvement. By combining foundational concepts with emerging applications, this volume serves as a valuable reference for academics, researchers, and advanced-level students in plant molecular biology and agricultural biotechnology.

• Connects the biology of plant functional RNAs to breeding programs, helping translate
  discoveries into resilient crop varieties
• Brings together all major RNA types and CRISPR-associated RNAs in a single reference
• Demonstrates how computational pipelines, multi-omics platforms, and structural analyses can be applied to functional RNA research, supporting reproducible and data-driven outcomes
• Includes case studies and methods showing how RNA technologies support sustainable agriculture in real-world contexts

Jen-Tsung Chen is a Professor of Cell Biology at the National University of Kaohsiung in Taiwan, where he teaches cell biology, genomics, proteomics, plant physiology, and plant biotechnology. His research spans bioactive compounds, chromatography techniques, plant molecular biology, bioinformatics, systems pharmacology, and broader themes in biotechnological plant disease management, plant biotic stress responses, nanotechnology for combating pests and pathogens, ethnopharmacology, and systems biology. An active scholar, Dr. Chen serves on the editorial boards of several international journals and has guest‑edited numerous special issues. He has also authored and edited books with major international publishers on topics including drug discovery, herbal medicine, medicinal biotechnology, nanotechnology, bioengineering, plant functional genomics, plant speed breeding, CRISPR‑based genome editing, and artificial intelligence. Recognized for his scientific impact and editorial leadership, Dr. Chen was listed among Elsevier and Stanford University’s “World’s Top 2% Scientists” in 2023 and 2024 and received the Springer Nature Editor of Distinction Award in 2025.