In rice, various types of non-coding RNA molecules (ncRNAs) exist which are distinguished by their origin, biogenesis, and biological functions. Based on size and structure, ncRNAs are broadly categorized into short non-coding (sncRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Both of the groups have been further split into several subtypes based on their distinct features including biogenesis, length, polarity, and putative functions. In rice and other higher plants, the majority of sncRNAs negatively regulate gene expression through interactions with mRNA. Research evidence has shown that they play a vital role in diferent developmental processes including growth, phase transition, and against various biotic and abiotic stresses, by mediating endogenous gene silencing in a precise fashion. These molecules act either at the transcriptional level through DNA methylation and repressive modifcation of histone protein or at the post-transcriptional level by the degradation of mRNA and translational repression. Recent progress in research has revealed that lncRNA is responsible to stabilize alterations in the plant genome and is the key regulator of transcription via interactions with both coding and non-coding RNA molecules as well as transcription factors (TFs). This review article briefy summarizes the important types of ncRNAs in rice and current progress towards the understanding of the biogenesis of ncRNAs and their main biological functions.
