miRNAs: The game changer in producing salinity stress-tolerant crops

Abstract

The problem of soil salinity is emerging as the most damaging factor for crop growth and productivity. An increased salt concentration causes both osmotic and ionic stress to the plants, which inhibits their growth rate and yields. The genetic processes that coordinate the plant's response to salinity have been explained by mechanisms that regulate the signaling cascades, cellular homeostasis, osmoticum maintenance and metabolic processes. This involves modulation of the gene expres- sion. The microRNAs (miRNAs) represent an important class of endogenous post- transcriptional regulators. They play an important role in plant biology by regulating every aspect of development, metabolism and environmental responses. This review discusses the available information on the salt stress-responsive genes and their role in the adaptive response to salt stress. It also discusses the role of miRNAs as poten- tial regulators in salt stress response. The application of miRNA-based strategies for improving plants is also described.