Genome sequencing has not only extended our understanding of the blueprints of many plant species but has also revealed the secrets of coding and non-coding genes. We present here a brief introduction to and personal account of key RNA-based technologies, as well as their development and applications for functional genomics of plant coding and non-coding genes, with a focus on short tandem target mimics (STTMs), artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs), and CRISPR/Cas9. In addition, their use in multiplex technologies for the functional dissection of gene networks is discussed.
Keywords: CRISPR/Cas9; artificial microRNA (amiRNA); artificial/synthetic tasiRNA (atasiRNA/syn-tasiRNA); microRNA sponge (SP); short tandem target mimic (STTM); target mimic (TM).
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