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The precise regulation of gene expression is required for the determination of cell fate, differentiation, and developmental programs in eukaryotes. The Polycomb Group (PcG) genes are the key transcriptional regulators that constitute the repressive system, with two major protein complexes, Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). Previous studies have demonstrated the significance of these proteins in regulation of normal growth and development processes. However, the role of PcG in adaptation of crops to abiotic stress is still not well understood. The present study aimed to a comprehensive genome-wide identification of the PcG gene family in one of the economically important staple crops, Oryza sativa. Here, a total of 14 PcG genes have been identified, which were distributed over eight chromosomes. Protein structure analysis revealed that both the complexes have distinct domain and motifs that are conserved within the complexes. In silico promoter analysis showed that PcG gene promoters have abundance of abiotic stress-responsive elements. RNA-seq based expression analysis revealed that PcG genes are differentially expressed in different tissues and responded variably in different environmental stress. Validation of gene expression by qRT-PCR showed that most of the genes were upregulated at 1-h time point in shoot tissue and at 24-h time point in root tissue under the drought and salinity stress conditions. These findings provide important and extensive information on the PcG family of O. sativa, which will pave the path for understanding their role in stress signaling in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initially dismissed as 'junk DNA', genomic progress highlights the essential role of non-coding regulatory RNAs (ncRNAs) in gene expression. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs) play a vital role in regulating diverse plant biological processes. Despite extensive identification and characterization through bioinformatics and RNA-seq, only a limited subset of lncRNAs has been functionally studied. In this particular research, a total of twenty-six drought induced lncRNAs were selected from RNA-seq dataset of Oryza sativa for in depth analysis including in silico promoter analysis and the examination of their expression patterns under abiotic stress conditions, with the aim of unravelling their intricate regulatory mechanisms. Promoter analysis revealed their responsiveness to both ABA-independent and dependent pathways, indicating potential roles in pathway-regulated responses. Notably, three lncRNAs- OsDlnc12, OsDlnc22, and OsDlnc24 found to act as ceRNA (competing endogenous RNAs) for Osa-miR169 family members , Osa-miR2864.2, and Osa-miR1437b-3p respectively. Subsequent target prediction revealed that Osa-miR169 family members target OsNF-YA3, OsNF-YA7, and HAP2 , Osa- miR2864.2 targets OsERD-15, and Osa-miR1437b-3p targets OsCYP450, OsAQP, and OsPRX precursor genes. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was employed to investigate the expression patterns and target mimicry mechanisms of selected lncRNAs under various abiotic stresses, revealing temporally regulated expressions. This finding provides insights into plant regulatory mechanisms under environmental stress, emphasizing the potential importance of lncRNAs in these processes. • 26 drought-responsive lncRNAs were characterized to unravel their intricate regulatory mechanisms in O. sativa. • Abiotic stress-responsive elements were prevalent in promoter of all OsDlncs , indicating their role in abiotic stress. • In rice, Dlncs 12, 22 and 24 were identified as target mimics for miR169f.1, g, r , miR2864.2 , and miR1437b-3p , respectively. • Temporal qRT-PCR analysis provide valuable insights into the dynamic responses of OsDlncs under abiotic stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]